How To Prepare And Safely Weather A Tornado

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Don’t wait for severe weather to arrive to start thinking about keeping yourself and your family safe. Now is the time to become StormAware. Being StormAware means that you and your family not only know how to protect yourselves in the event of a tornado or severe weather, but that you are aware of whenever the weather forecast calls for chance of severe storms; that during those times you monitor weather for severe watches and warnings.  

What is the difference between a tornado watch and warning: 

• A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
• A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
• Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county.

Here are a few tips on how to start preparing:

• Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes. 
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train. 
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone. 
• Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado. 

• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter. The best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building. 

Tornadoes are one of nature’s most violent storms and can cause death, injury, and destruction within seconds. You can find more tips on preparing your family for severe weather by visiting the Preparedness section of RedCross.org.