- BEFORE
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- Conduct tornado drills each tornado season.
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- Designate an area in the home as a shelter. Have everyone
in the family practice going there in response to a tornado threat.
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- Discuss with family members the difference between
a "tornado watch" and a "tornado warning."
- A TORNADO WATCH is given when weather conditions are
favorable to the formation of tornadoes, for example, during
severe thunderstorms. During a TORNADO WATCH, keep an eye on
the weather and be prepared to take shelter immediately if conditions
worsen. Remind family members of where the safest places are
located. Listen to local TV or radio for developments.
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- A TORNADO WARNING is given when a tornado or funnel
is sighted or indicated by radar. The danger is very serious
and you should take shelter with a battery-powered radio immediately.
Because tornadoes can form and move quickly, there may not be
time for a warning. That is why it is important to stay alert
during severe storms.
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- Have disaster supplies on hand.
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
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- Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during
a tornado (a real possibility during the day when adults are
at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting
back together.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family
contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long
distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address,
and phone number of the contact person.
Mobile Homes
Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn
very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the
unit. When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in a building
with a strong foundation. If shelter is not available, lie in
ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit.
Tornado Danger Signs
- Learn these tornado danger signs:
Large hail: Tornadoes are spawned from powerful thunderstorms
and the most powerful thunderstorms produce large hail. Tornadoes
frequently emerge from near the hail-producing portion of the
storm.
Calm before the storm: Before a tornado hits, the wind
may die down and the air may become very still.
Cloud of debris: An approaching cloud of debris can mark
the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible.
Funnel cloud: A visible rotating extension of the cloud
base is a sign that a tornado may develop. A tornado is evident
when one or more of the clouds turns greenish (a phenomenon caused
by hail) and a dark funnel descends.
Roaring noise: The high winds of a tornado can cause a
roar that is often compared with the sound of a freight train.
Calm behind the storm: Tornadoes generally occur near
the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see
clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
DURING
- If at home:
- Go at once to the basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level
of the building.
- If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller
inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
- Get away from the windows.
- Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because
they tend to attract debris.
- Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench
or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
- Use arms to protect head and neck.
- If in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere.
- If at work or school:
- Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest
level.
- Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias,
large hallways, or shopping malls.
- Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench
or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
- Use arms to protect head and neck.
If outdoors:
- If possible, get inside a building.
- If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors,
lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building.
Be aware of the potential for flooding.
- Use arms to protect head and neck.
- If in a car:
- Never try to out-run a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes
can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and
toss it through the air.
- Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby
building.
- If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and
lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware
of the potential for flooding.
- AFTER
Help injured or trapped persons.
Give first aid when appropriate. Don't try to move the seriously
injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
Call for help.
- Turn on radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
- Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities
say it is safe.
- Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
- Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, or gasoline or other
flammable liquids immediately. Leave the buildings if you smell
gas or chemical fumes.
- Take pictures of the damage--both to the house and its contents--for
insurance purposes.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants,
the elderly, and people with disabilities.
INSPECTING A DAMAGED HOME
Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear a blowing
or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building.
Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call
the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas
for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or
broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn
off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.
If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit
breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect
sewage lines are damaged, avoid using toilets and call a plumber.
If water pipes are damaged, contact the City of Lorenzo and avoid
using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting
ice cubes.
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