TORNADOS AND THUNDERSTORMS

To create a personal/family emergency plan now – before disaster strikes – please click here. This web site will help you create your own personalized Family Disaster Plan.

Storms can develop quickly and can occur with little to no warning. Heavy winds and lightning caused by storms can cause extended power outages, uprooted trees, landslides, and downed or broken utility lines. Additionally, heavy rains can cause flash floods.

Tornado Safety Tips

Indoors:

• Have a pre-designated safety spot.
  
• Go to the lowest level possible in a structure.
  
• Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.
  
• Avoid windows and glass.
  
• In a basement stay under the center support beam, a stairwell or heavy piece of furniture for protection from falling debris. Stay out of corners; debris often collects in corners.
  
• If you have no area below ground level, use a hallway, closing doors off to outside rooms. A small interior room (bathroom or closet) away from outside walls and windows would be preferable to large rooms or rooms with outside walls.
  

Outside or in homes of modular construction:

• Get to a safe shelter if possible. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car. If caught in the open, leave a vehicle and go to a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine. Lie flat and cover your head.
  
• Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned
  

While watching the weather, listen for:

• Tornado Watch
• Tornado Warning
• Severe Thunderstorm Watch
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning

During the storm:

• Avoid handling metal, electrical equipment, telephones, bathtubs, water faucets and sinks, because electric current from lightening can travel through wires and pipes
• If you are outside, take cover in a stable facility. Avoid taking shelter under trees
• Tune in to local TV/radio channels for emergency advisories and instructions
• Avoid walking through water that has seeped in your home - it may contain hazardous materials
  
• If you are asked to evacuate your home, disconnect all electrical appliances
  
• Avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines.

After the storm:

• Assess your immediate environment
  
• Report fallen trees, flooded streets or damaged public utilities to proper department
  
• Stay tuned to local weather stations for updated information