Over 70 tornadoes struck the US heartland yesterday and last night in one of the busiest outbreaks in recent history. These storms were accompanied by large hail and up to 8 inches of rain in some locations. Damage assessments are now taking place to assess the damage and to look for victims.
This event should serve as a reminder that we can not take early notification for granted. It is imperative that you have a quality, working weather radio that is properly programmed, with an alerting systems and a battery back-up. Tornadoes often strike in the middle of the night so having an automatic alarm is imperative to early notification. They should be tested routinely to ensure their functionality and placed in a location that can be easily heard when it goes off.
Notifications
Tornado Watch | This is a warning received from a public broadcast system or weather radio notifying the public that conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado in the broadcast area. It is extremely important to monitor weather conditions throughout the watch time. Broadcasters will usually state that we are under a tornado watch until...
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| Tornado Warning | This is an immediate action warning from a public broadcast station or weather radio indicating the sighting of a tornado in the immediate broadcast area. This warning requires immediate action to protect your personal safety. Seek shelter immediately if you are in the threat area. Monitor weather radio or public broadcast for additional information. |
Safety
If you are in the path of a tornado, seek shelter immediately. Resist the the desire to watch and or photograph the storm and retreat to a basement or an interior room, an the lowest floor possible, away from window and doors. Remain as low as possible and cover your head to protect yourself from flying debris. Above all, remain calm and do not come out until the storm has passed or an all clear warning is issued.
Power
During and following a storm, you may loose power. Have a working flashlight in your safe room Although you may not have lights on when you emerge from your safe area there may be considerable damage including exposed power lines. Never assume that these exposed wires are harmless. Treat all exposed wires as potentially deadly and do not touch.
Communications
Following a tornado, communications using landlines and cell phones may be disrupted. Have other means of attracting attention such as a flashlight for signaling or a whistle or other audible alarm. Also have a small radio handy in order to get the latest information from local broadcasters regarding the storm and emergency information. These items are usually small and can be easily stored in your safe room. There are several manufactures that that produce an all-in-one flashlight, radio, flasher, alarm that is both battery operated as well as having an alternative power source such as solar or a hand crank.
Personal protection
Of all natural disasters, tornadoesoften strick with the least amout of notice. If they strike at night, there is little time have simple itemsl like protective clothing, shoes, gloves, hats and other personal prtection supplies immediately avalable. Have a "GO" bag is essential to taking care of your immediate needs following a tornado strike. Included in this go bag should be any medications that you take routinely as it may be days before you have avaiablity of essential services. A go bag should be light weight and last you a minimum of three days. Prepare a go bag for wach member of the family and store it in a readly accessible place or place in your safe area is space allow.
For further information on tornado safety, planning and recovery, contact:
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