Nature's Most Violent Storms
KNOW THE TERMS USED TO DESCRIBE TORNADO THREATS:
- A tornado watch means tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, or both, are possible. Stay tuned to radio and television reports in your area.
- A tornado warning means you should take shelter immediately; a tornado has been sighted.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE A TORNADO STRIKES:
1. Know the locations of designated shelter areas in public facilities; such as schools, public buildings, and shopping centers.
2. Have emergency supplies on hand.
3. Be sure everyone in your household knows in advance where to go and what to do in case of a tornado warning.
4. If you live in a single-family house in a tornado-prone area, reinforce an interior room to use as a shelter, the basement, storm cellar, or a closet on the lower level of your house.
5. Make an inventory of your household furnishings and other possessions. Supplement that with a written inventory with photographs. Keep inventories and photos in a safe deposit box or some other safe place away from the premises.
WHAT TO DO DURING A TORNADO WATCH:
1. Whenever severe thunderstorms are in your area, listen to radio and television newscasts for the latest information and instructions.
2. Watch the horizon. If you see any revolving, funnel-shaped clouds, report them immediately by telephone to your local police department or sheriff's office, or dial 911. Remember that tornadoes can develop rapidly.
WHAT TO DO DURING A TORNADO:
When a tornado has been sighted, stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Protect your head from falling objects or flying debris. Take cover immediately, wherever you are: In a house or small building, go to the basement. If there is no basement, go to an interior part of the structure on the lower level (closets, interior hallways). In either case, get under something sturdy (such as a heavy table) and stay there until the danger has passed.
TORNADO:
Safety Rules for You and Your Family!
Tornadoes are nature's most violent, and erratic storms. A tornado can travel for miles along the ground, lift, and suddenly change direction and strike again. There is little you can do to protect your home or workplace from the strength of tornado winds, but there are actions you can take to better protect yourself and your family.
One basic rule to follow wherever you are is AVOID WINDOWS. An exploding window can injure or kill. Don't take the time to open windows; get to shelter immediately.