Tornado Safety

1Kara Rhoads, Property Management Intern

AwarenessHere are some videos my personal friend, Isaac Duncan, took while

taking cover from the Joplin, MO. tornado of 2011

• First person account of taking cover: http://youtu.be/cQnvxJZucds

• Aftermath of where they took cover: http://youtu.be/W-P4P68YyNM

• Interview: http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/23/surreal-moment-in-joplin-store-freezer-storm-drowns-out-shrieks-prayer/

Dangerous storms happen quickly. You must be prepared to think on your feet, like the individuals in the videos.

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When/Where do Tornados have a likelihood of occurring?

Tornados typically occur from

3p.m.-

9p.m. during the Spring and Summer months of these locations.

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Eureka, IL. 2004 - F4

Risk Factor

It Can Happen To You

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March ‘11

April ‘11

February ‘11

May ‘11

Being Prepared for a Tornado

• Prepare a plan in advance (NOW!) if you do not have one. Families with plans are calmer and operate quickly.

• Plan should consist of where to seek shelter– Basement – Most interior room without windows – Bathtubs in bathrooms on the first floor – In closets underneath stairwells– Choose small rooms because they are less susceptible to collapsing – Avoid southern and western walls because that is usually where the

tornado and high winds will be coming from

– Rule to Remember: Put as many floors (first) and walls (second) between you and the tornado

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• Your plan should also consist of a meeting place after the storm incase your family is not together when the storm hits

• An out-of-state relative should be dedicated as the contact for all family members after the storm. It is easier to call long distance or text immediately following a disaster than it is calling local.

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Being Prepared for a Tornado

Safety KitThe American Red Cross suggests that you assemble a "disaster

supplies kit" that you keep in your shelter area. The kit should

contain:

•A first aid kit with essential

medication in addition to the usual

items•A battery powered radio, flashlight,

and extra batteries•Canned and other non-perishable

foods and a hand-operated can

opener•Bottled water•Sturdy shoes and work gloves

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•Cash and credit cards•Written instructions on how to turn

off your homes utilities•Identification and important papers

for recovering after the storm•Helmets- They can protect your

head from flying debris•Blankets, pillows, or mattresses to

shield yourself

Watch vs. Warning

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WATCH= means conditions are favorable for tornadic weather

WARNING= means there has been an actual tornado spotted/reported and it is a WARNING for you to take cover immediately! (tornados happen in a matter of seconds so do not waste any time)

During Severe Weather• Stay as calm as possible

• Watch and listen for signs of a tornado, including:

– Extremely dark or discolored green skies with oddly shaped rotating clouds

– Hail – Tornado sirens– High winds that throw dust in a

sporadic pattern– Loud roar (like a freight train or jet)

that does not stop quickly

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Know your Location• Make sure to know your surrounding counties to the west and south

so you can track where the weather or tornado will move.

Can you find Brazos?

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What if your in a car during a tornado?

• DO NOT: – STAY INSIDE YOUR CAR IF A TORNADO IS COMING AT YOU

– TRY TO OUT RUN THE TORNADO

– HIDE UNDER AN OVERPASS (BEING ABOVE GROUND LEVEL IS NOT SMART IN TORNADOS)

• DO: – SEEK STURDY SHELTER (ONLY IF YOU HAVE TIME)

• IF NO SHELTER IS NEAR, GET OUT OF YOUR CAR AND FIND THE LOWEST LYING LAND NEARBY (DITCH OR RAVINE) TO LAY FLAT DOWN IN.

– COVER YOUR HEAD AND NECK WITH YOUR HANDS

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Proof!

Mobile Homes

• Use the SAME rules stated for Cars if you are caught in a Mobile Home

• Mobile homes are not safe in tornados even if tied down.

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Aftermath

•Beware of fire hazards (Gas leaks are common as well as electrical fires after tornados so get out of dangerous areas.)

•Treat small injuries with first aid kits•Do not move anyone who is badly injured•Beware of possible injury during recovery efforts as well

•Check on all neighbors to see if they need help but do not enter unsteady structures (wait for authorities)

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•Keep phone use to a minimum.

•Watch for down power lines •Volunteer your help to others in recovery efforts if able.

For more: http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/recovering_from_disaster.shtm

Aftermath

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