TORNADOES
Tornadoes are violent: they can completely destroy well-made structures, uprooting trees and hurl objects through the air like deadly missiles. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can happen anytime and anywhere; Bring intense winds, over 200 MPH
PREPARE NOW
Know your area’s tornado risk.
Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built.
Protecting Your Family
Talk about tornadoes with your family so that everyone knows where to go if a tornado warning is issued. Discussing ahead of time helps reduce fear, especially for younger children.
Check at your workplace and your children's schools and day care centers to learn about their tornado emergency plans. Every building has different safe places.
Ensure that every member of your family carries a Safe and Well wallet card.
Check emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply. especially medications or other medical supplies. Keep it nearby.
RIGHT BEFORE A TORNADO
Don’t wait until you see the tornado to act! If you do nothing else:
Listen to local area radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
Move to an underground shelter, basement or safe room. If none is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative.
Find a local emergency shelter and know the best routes to get there if you need to.
SURVIVE DURING
Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
Seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building.
If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter, immediately get into a vehicle and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. Remember to buckle your seat belt.
Stay away from bridge/highway overpasses.
BE SAFE AFTER
If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.
Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.
