Tornados And Winds

Weather Emergency Terms To Know

• Tornado WATCH: A tornado is possible in the watch area. Stay tuned for additional information.
• Tornado WARNING: A tornado has been sighted in the warning area. Take shelter immediately.

Be Prepared Before A Tornado Occurs:

• Keep food on hand that can be prepared without cooking and does not require refrigeration. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.
• Make sure you have flashlights with extra batteries.
• Make sure you have enough extra medicine, baby items and a first aid kit.
• Determine places to seek shelter such as a basement or storm cellar. If there is no basement, go to an interior part of the structure on the lowest level; closets, interior hallways and bathrooms.
• Know how to shut off utilities in your home.
• Check your battery powered television or radio.
• Keep an emergency supply of water stored in unbreakable plastic containers. Fill your bathtub with water as a backup supply.

During And After A Tornado:

• Listen to the television or radio for current weather reports and emergency information.
• When a tornado warning is issued take cover immediately. Stay away from doors, windows and outside walls.
• Do not open windows before a tornado approaches. Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter your home.
• In homes and small buildings go to the basement. If there is no basement, go to an interior part of the structure on the lowest level; closets, interior hallways and bathrooms.
• In high-rise buildings, go to into interior small rooms or hallways on the lowest level possible.
• In trailer or mobile home, leave immediately and go to a more substantial structure. If there is no structure nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch with your hands shielding your head.
• If caught outside or in a vehicle, do not try to outrun the tornado. Instead get out of the vehicle and lie flat in the nearest ditch with your hands shielding your face.
• Stay away from downed power lines, trees, broken glass, debris and disaster areas.

Prepared by the Northeast States Emergency Consortium.