Tornado Survival Tips

Our hearts go out to those living in Missouri and Arkansas hit by the weekend tornados. As with earthquakes, people who live in the area know what to do. But, in the middle of the night, there was little or no warning. In the 2007 Farmers’ Almanac we ran an article with tornado survival tips:

Before

> Designate a spot within your home that is considered safe and practice having the family rush there. Discuss the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.

> Have disaster supplies including flashlights, , battery operated radio and plenty of batteries. Also, a non electric can opener, emergency water and canned goods. Be sure you have ample supplies of medicine.

> Have a family communication plan. Use cell phones. Designate out of state  relatives to serve as contact points should the family be scattered during a storm.

Watches and Warnings

A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is the time to remind family members where the safest places are to go during a storm and listen for developments. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

During

> If at home go to the basement, storm cellar or lowest level of the building. If no basement, go to to  an inner hallway or smaller inner room without windows such as a bathroom or closet. Stay away from windows and move to the center of a room. If possible get under a sturdy piece of furniture such as a workbench.

> If at work or school go to a basement or inner hallway at the lowest building level. Avoid areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, etc.

> If outdoors, get inside of a building. If none are close, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Be aware of potential flooding.

> If in a car, never try to outdrive a tornado. Tornadoes can change directions quickly and can easily lift a car or truck and flip it through the air. Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. If no building, follow above advise by  lying in a ditch, etc..

When a tornado is coming you have only a few moments to make life and death decisions. Advance planning and a quick response are keys to survival. If you go to our home page, test your knowledge about tornadoes. We see this as a busy tornado year – please be prepared.