TORNADOES –
ONE OF NATURE’S MOST
VIOLENT STORMS
PREPARE FOR YOUR FAMILY’S SAFETY NOW
Fact
Sheet
Make
a Plan
-
Pick a place where family members could gather if
a tornado is headed your way. It could be your
basement or, if there is no basement, a center
hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor.
Keep this place uncluttered.
-
If you are in a high-rise building, you may not
have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a
place in a hallway in the center of the building.
Build
a Kit
-
First aid kit and essential medications.
-
Canned food and can opener.
-
At least three gallons of water per person.
-
Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
-
Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra
batteries.
-
Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled
family members.
-
Written instructions on how to turn off
electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise
you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a
professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
Get
Informed
-
Listen to your local radio and TV stations for
updated storm information.
-
Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
-
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
or parish.
What
to do when:
A
tornado WATCH is issued—
-
Listen to local radio and TV stations for further
updates.
-
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing
debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may
alert you. Many people say it sounds like a
freight train.
A
tornado WARNING is issued—
-
If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked
to protect yourself from glass and other flying
objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
-
If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a
nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or
low-lying area.
-
If you are in a car or mobile home, get out
immediately and head for safety (as above
After a tornado passes—
-
Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of
the damaged area.
-
Listen to the radio for information and
instructions.
-
Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.
Do not use candles at any time.
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