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Tornado Preparedness and Disaster Survival Products
Tornado season is quickly approaching - are you prepared? Most tornadoes are known to strike in March-June with peak tornado season beginning in April. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information there are over 1000 tornadoes in the U.S. every year. So what exactly is a tornado and what are the warning signs? What should you do to prepare? How do you stay safe during a tornado and what should you do after?
Tornadoes are rotating columns of air between a cloud and Earth that touch both. Most tornadoes are characterized by extremely strong winds that can reach 300+ miles per hour. Tornadoes are formed from thunderstorms when warm moist air and cool dry air meet and cause instability in the atmosphere.
Now that we know what tornadoes are, you may be thinking to yourself what warning signs should I look for? There are six warning signs of tornadoes with the first and maybe most obvious being a funnel cloud extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The sky will become dark and sometimes green and there may be a cloud of debris approaching or debris falling from the sky. You may also hear a loud roar as if a freight train is nearby. The last warning sign is a “calm after the storm” since it is uncommon for a tornado to happen after a thunderstorm – there will sometimes be a strange calm in the tornado's wake.
So what can you do to be prepared and survive the storm safely?
Think Ahead - When is the best time to prepare for a tornado? NOW! Create a disaster plan and practice it before every tornado season. You should have at least 3 days of food and water for every person in your home; survival kits can be easily stored and can last up to five years. Make sure to have a first aid kit accessible. There are even options available to keep our four legged friends safe during disasters. We also recommend that you sign up for the Emergency Alert systems in your area and become familiar with your areas alert sirens. You should pay attention to weather reports during peak tornado season as they can offer insight into when conditions are right for tornadoes to give you more time to act.
There are 2 levels of tornado alerts that you need to be aware of:
- Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible in your area and you should continue to monitor TV and radio news for further information.
- Tornado Warning - A tornado is either on the ground or has been detected. You should seek shelter immediately!
Stay Safe During the Storm - Go to a safe room or basement, if there is no basement go to a small interior room on the lowest level and be sure to stay away from doors, windows and outside walls. If you are outside and cannot get to a sturdy building do not get under an overpass or bridge. You will be safer in a low flat area such as a ditch. Use your arms to cover your head and neck.
After the Storm - Stay inside until it is safe; continue listening to radio and local authorities for updated information. If you are trapped cover your mouth to avoid breathing dust, bang on a wall or pipe or use a whistle to attract attention instead of shouting. Save phone calls for emergencies as systems are often overloaded during and after a disaster-use text messaging, social media or alternate methods to communicate. Make sure to stay clear of downed power lines and do not enter damaged buildings until you have confirmed they are safe.
Tornadoes can happen quickly and without much warning so remember the best way to survive the storm is to be prepared and think ahead, act fast and stay safe during the storm and stay alert for other dangers once the storm has passed.
