Tornado Safety

Photo by Pingnews.com

I know that I touched upon this topic a few times already when we had some unusual and severe weather in the United States about a month ago.

However in recent days we have had a large number of tornado's that that struck and killed several people.

I would like to take the time to go over some facts about tornado's many people do not know the difference between a Tornado Warning and a Tornado Watch. Here is the difference:

Tornado Watch
Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Tornado Warning
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

What to Do During a Tornado:

If you are in a Structure:

Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

If you are in a Vehicle or Mobile Home:

Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

If you are outside with no shelter:

Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.

Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Other Safety Resources:
FEMA Tornado Safety
NOAA Severe Weather Safety
Tornadoproject.com

Also see my other posts on this subject here and here where you can see some great videos and get the warning signs of an approaching tornado.