99TravelSafe.com
72 – Tornado and Storms Safety Tips!
The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
A 'TORNADO Watch' means that weather conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. If a 'tornado watch' is broadcast, stay tuned for further advisories and be prepared to take cover!
If a 'Tornado Warning' is issued, it means a tornado has actually been sighted. Warnings include the tornado’s location and its direction and speed. If you are in or near its path, seek shelter immediately! Do NOT attempt to look for the tornado. Many tornadoes are obscured by rain and are not visible at all or are not visible until it is too late!
BEFORE a tornado;
Monitor alerts: Pay attention to Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions!
Conduct regular tornado drills, where you PRACTICE beforehand what you and your family will do in the event of a tornado!
Have a disaster plan! Make sure everyone knows where to go in case a tornado threatens to strike!
Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home AND car.
Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water.
Avoid windows! Opening windows to equalize pressure is ineffective in reducing damage during a tornado. Don’t worry about the windows; worry about finding shelter and protecting yourself!
If you are caught in an open building like a shopping mall, gymnasium or civic center, get into the restroom, if possible!
In larger buildings, RESTROOMS are usually made of concrete block and will offer MORE protection!
If there is no time to go anywhere else, seek shelter right where you ARE! Try to get up against something that will support or deflect falling debris!
Protect your head by covering it with your arms!
If you are OUTSIDE when a tornado strikes, try to find shelter immediately in the nearest substantial building. If no buildings are close by, take cover by lying down flat in a ditch or depression!
If you are in your CAR, get out of your vehicle and try to find shelter. A culvert or ditch can provide shelter if a substantial building is not nearby.
Leave low-lying areas!
Protect windows with plywood boards, or storm shutters.
Secure outside objects!
Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water!
Have SEVERAL days supply of food and water for EACH family member!
If called to evacuate, do so immediately!
If you are in a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement or an interior room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or closet!
If an underground shelter is NOT available, move to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside!
Remain INDOORS when the eye moves over your area because the storm will resume shortly!
Get OUT of automobiles!
Do NOT try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately for safe shelter!
If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands!
Get low: Get as low as you can and put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
Avoid windows: Avoid windows at all costs.
Cover your head with your hands or a blanket, coat, or other cushion.
Stay away from heavy objects: Avoid laying next to heavy, unsecured objects that might fall on you!
Get under something sturdy: If the room collapses, being under something sturdy like a heavy table, workbench, or desk can create a pocket of safety!
Stay AWAY from fallen power lines and stay OUT of damaged areas!
Be aware of flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes MOST fatalities and injuries!
Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer LITTLE protection from tornadoes. You should leave a mobile home and go to the LOWEST floor of a sturdy nearby building or a storm shelter!
AFTER a tornado;
Stay indoors until it is safe to come out!
Check for injured or trapped people, WITHOUT putting yourself in danger!
Watch out for downed power lines!
Use a flashlight to inspect your home!
Make sure that all is definitely clear outside, and the storm has completely passed before going out!
Report downed power lines, and stay AWAY from them!
Listen to reports from local officials for advice!
Use stored water and food!
Drink bottled, boiled, or treated water.
Eat safe food!
Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves, and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris.
Be patient! Things will take a while before they get back to normal again!
Some tips for staying safe during a STORM;
PREPARE before a storm! prepare a kit with water, non-perishable food, a portable phone charger, batteries, and other supplies. Also, plan an evacuation route and pack a go bag for each member of your household!
Take shelter if you hear thunder, immediately go to a sturdy, enclosed building or a hard-topped car with the windows up!
Stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the LAST clap of thunder!
AVOID open spaces, isolated objects, high ground, and metallic objects. Also, avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet and running water!
Do NOT drive through flooded roadways!
BEFORE a storm, secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage! Also, keep gutters, downpipes, and drains clear.
PLAN your day around thunderstorm warnings!
CHECK your carbon monoxide (CO) detector's battery to prevent CO poisoning!