FEMA Director Reminds Americans of Dangers of Tornadoes; “Remain Prepared”
WASHINGTON, D.C – With the good news this week that no deaths were attributable to tornadoes in the United States during the peak tornado months of April, May or June, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency is urging Americans not to become complacent in their preparedness efforts. Residents in severe weather-prone areas across the United States need to make preparations to safeguard their homes and families against the dangers of tornadoes. Historically, tornadoes kill an average of 52 people a year in the three peak months.
Summer tornadoes can still crop up across the country in a moment’s notice and as we continue to observe what is predicted to be a very active hurricane season, residents should remain prepared. Those living in the paths of hurricanes and tropical storms should be aware tornadoes are regularly formed from these dangerous and deadly weather systems. Last year tropical season spawned 300 tornadoes.
“It is heartening that we have had such a safe Spring this year as related to tornadoes, but I encourage residents not to be lulled into a false sense of security and to remain prepared throughout the year, ,” Under Secretary of Homeland Security and head of FEMA Michael D. Brown said. “Tornado preparedness is paramount because when a tornado is forming, there is little time to make live-saving decisions.”
Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado:
- Conduct tornado drills each tornado season.
- Designate an area in the home as a shelter and practice having everyone in the family go there in response to a tornado threat.
- Have disaster supplies on hand
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
- Develop an emergency communication plan - In case family members are separated from one another during a tornado (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
- Learn these tornado danger signs - An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
- Be familiar with tornado watches and warnings - A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is the time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
To hear Undersecretary Michael Brown’s recent public service announcement about being prepared for tornadoes, please visit: http://www.fema.gov/radio/.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 20-Jun-2006 13:42:13 EDT