What to Do When a Tornado Warning Is Issued or a Tornado Is Spotted

With the devastation in Oklahoma and the possibility of severe storms hitting Kiss Country today we needed a reminder on what to do just in case a tornado warning is issued.

Tornado Safety In Homes or Other Small Buildings

• The best place to go in your home is a basement. It is advised you stay away west and south walls.
• If you don’t have a basement you want to go to a small, windowless, first floor, interior room like a closet or bathroom. The tub and toilet are usually anchored directly into the ground, and sometimes are the only thing left in place after the tornado.
• If there is no downstairs bathroom and the closets are not available a hall may be the best shelter.

Tornado Safety at School

• Every school has a plan in place and children go through Tornado drills. Always listen to your teachers. They know the best places to take shelter and protect children.

Tornado Safety at Work

• Interior rooms, bathrooms and halls are the best locations in large buildings.
• Central stairwells are good as well…stay away from elevators.

Tornado Safety on the Road

Vehicles can also be deadly in a tornado. The more surface they present to the wind, the more easily they are blown from the road.

• If you are in a car, and you can see a tornado forming or approaching, you should leave the car and take shelter as above. Don’t think you can escape it by driving away you won’t know where the tornado is going and it could turn in an instant.

Tornado Safety In Mobile Homes

• If you live in a mobile home park, you may have a designated tornado shelter. ASK! If they don’t, you need to find another substantial structure that you can reach quickly.

For more info on tornado’s http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes