Many tornadoes have struck the US this Spring and some of those tornadoes have been very powerful. Just one month ago, a tornado outbreak hit the US and is classified to be the worst since the Super Outbreak in 1974. Recently an EF-5 struck Joplin, MO, resulting in over 150 deaths and is classified as the eighth deadliest tornado in US history. Currently there is threat for tornadoes in the Mississippi and lower Ohio valley, a threat which is shifting east. With this recent severe weather and tornadic activity, it is good to be prepared for such an occurrence like that of a tornado. Even though tornadoes may not be common in your area, tornadoes can occur in any state.
Tornado Terminology
Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Severe thunderstorms are occurring.
KLTV 7 in Texas has a good list of
tips of what you can do during a tornado:
In or near buildings:
• Seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a home, office or other building. Shelter in a windowless area: a stairwell, bathroom, hallway or storage closet.
• Avoid any area with a wide, unsupported roof such as an auditorium, gymnasium, cafeteria or theater. Avoid areas with windows or large amounts of glass.
• At school, follow the drill and go to a designated shelter area, usually interior hallways on the lowest floor.
• At the shopping center, go to the interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Do not leave the shopping center to get in your vehicle.
• If you are in a mobile home, get out immediately and take shelter in a nearby sturdy building.
• If you are in open country, take cover on low ground, preferably lying flat in a ditch or ravine.
In your vehicle:
• If the tornado appears to stay in the same place, but is growing larger, it is headed toward you. Take shelter AWAY from the vehicle. Take shelter inside a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or ravine.
• Avoid highway overpasses. Parking or taking shelter under a bridge or overpass is extremely dangerous due to flying debris and the possibility the structure may collapse.
• Parking beneath an overpass on traffic lanes creates a deadly hazard for others, who may plow into your vehicle at full highway speeds in poor visibility. This can trap people in the storm's path or block emergency transport.
• If you are trapped in your vehicle, keep your seat belt on and lean down as low as possible, away from windshield and windows.
From the
Redcross, what you can do after the tornado:
Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.
If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
Wear long pants, a longsleeved shirt and sturdy shoes when examining your walls, doors, staircases and windows for damage
Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately.
Stay out of damaged buildings.
Use batterypowered flashlights when examining buildings—do NOT use candles.
If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out of the building quickly and call the gas company or fire department.
Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
Keep all of your animals under your direct control.
Clean up spilled medications, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids that could become a fire hazard.
Check for injuries. If you are trained, provide first aid to persons in need until emergency responders arrive.
Ready.gov provides great information on preparing for a tornado and for more information on tornadoes check out this
link.
Stay safe!
Just look at the tree line.
