When a tornado hits, it will not sweep you away to far-off lands with far-out winged monkeys and complimentary new shoes. Tornadoes are incredibly violent storms that can cause mass devastation in a matter of seconds. These storms are particularly scary because every state is at risk.
Learning what to do if a tornado touches down in your neighborhood may save your life. Be disaster-ready by creating a family emergency plan so you know what to do before, during and after a tornado.
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Be disaster-ready.
Here are some good prep tips to keep in mind:
- Learn the emergency warning procedures in your area. Different installations or communities may use different warning systems. There is no need to let a tornado sneak up on you just because you did not hear a siren go off. Your local government may offer emergency notification phone texts. You should also learn the emergency procedures at your job and at your kids’ school to make sure you are prepared wherever you go.
- Assemble an emergency kit that you can grab on your way to your safe place if a tornado hits.
- Design a family emergency plan and practice it. Make sure everyone is aware of the plan and ready to head to the designated safe location in 30 seconds flat if you feel a tornado comes around the corner.
- Prepare your children. If you have trouble getting your kids to practice your family emergency plan, Sesame Street Let's Get Ready! videos and activities can help you make a game of it.
- Help those with special needs. If you or someone you know has special needs, you can keep a detailed special needs list on hand, and give a copy to someone you trust. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention lists additional tips on how to prepare a person with special needs for emergencies.
- Take advantage of technology. Get Tech Ready has some hot tips to keep you connected during an emergency. A text message might just end up saving your life one day.
- Create a home inventory record. After a natural disaster, you may have to deal with insurance company claims. That task could hit you like a tornado if you have not prepared properly. Consider creating a home inventory record and store it where a tornado can’t blow it away.
Before a tornado strikes
Assemble
your disaster kit. It can make life bearable when you need it and can provide great peace of mind when you don't.
You have read our disaster prep steps and maybe you feel ready to take on a tornado. Not so fast — you may be ready, but now it is time to know thy enemy:
- What is the difference between a tornado watch and a warning? A watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado to touch down. A warning means that there is definitely a tornado around, and you should get to a safe location immediately.
- How safe does "safe" need to be? Because tornadoes can rip structures right off the ground the safest place to hide is underground. But if you cannot go underground, head to a windowless interior room on the lowest level of your building. If you are in a mobile home when a tornado hits, go immediately to a sturdy building nearby.
- Can you see a tornado coming? It helps to know the warning signs on sight. The NOAA's Storm Prediction Center tells us to watch out for hail or heavy rain and a loud, continuous roar or rumble that does not fade after a few seconds the way thunder does. You may also see a strong, persistent rotation in a cloud base, but be aware that sometimes tornadoes do not produce a clear funnel. You may also just see whirling dust or debris. Finally, you may see small, bright, blue-green or white flashes at ground level near a thunderstorm, as opposed to the usual silvery lightning in the clouds. These flashes could indicate that tornado winds are snapping power lines. Keep in mind, if you can hear or see a tornado you are probably not at a safe distance or in a safe place.
During a tornado
A tornado is the most violent kind of storm. Its winds can reach up to 300 miles per hour, and it can cut a swath of destruction a mile wide and 50 miles long. A tornado can appear in what feels like an instant. If one hits, keep this in mind:
- Seconds count. The moment you see signs of a tornado or hear a warning advisory, take cover underground or in a sturdy building. Seriously, get moving.
- Flying debris is dangerous and unpredictable. Most injuries in a tornado come from flying debris, so crouch down low, and protect your head with your hands. If you can, use mattresses or blankets for protection, and get underneath a table.
- Cars are very risky. It is tough to outrun a tornado. If you are driving and realize you cannot outrun one, follow these steps: Park your car away from other cars but definitely not under a bridge. Put your seat belt on, get down lower than the windows and cover your head with a blanket or a coat. If you can get somewhere lower than the roadway, ditch your car and lie flat with your hands covering your head.
After a tornado
Just because a tornado has passed, you are not necessarily in the clear. You can still get hurt, so be careful and listen to your local news for guidance. Here are a few more tips to help you navigate the aftermath:
- Wear protective clothing. Dangerous debris like nails and glass can get kicked around during a tornado, so make sure you put on your sturdiest shoes or boots, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and gloves to protect yourself.
- Stay out of damaged buildings. Be careful because, even though a building can seem stable, it could have serious hidden tornado damage.
- Look out for downed power lines and broken gas lines. Be sure to shut off your electrical power, natural gas and propane tanks as well.
- Take sparks seriously. Gas leaks could spring up after a tornado has ripped through, so opt for lanterns and flashlights over candles, matches or lighters. Do not turn on anything electrical until you are sure there are no gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear hissing, turn off the main gas valve, leave the building and call your gas company immediately.
- Cooperate with safety officials. If you need help, do not hesitate to ask for it. But be aware that officials may be swamped. Try to hang back and let them do their job unless you have an emergency.
- Let friends and family know that you are safe. The easiest way to do this is to register at American Red Cross Safe and Well or find your local Red Cross.
If you have made it this far, then congratulations, you have graduated from our humble school of tornado readiness. Now you are one step ahead of any tornadoes spinning your way and two steps closer to keeping your family safe. If you would like more readiness tips, head over to Ready.gov and the American Red Cross website.