Tornado Safety
Information and
Terminology
Tornado Watch - A tornado watch is issued when weather conditions are favorable
for the development of severe thunderstorms that are capable of producing
tornadoes. A tornado watch therefore implies that it is also a severe thunderstorm
watch. A tornado watch must not be confused with a tornado warning. A watch does
not mean that the severe weather is actually occurring; only that conditions have
created a significant risk for it. If severe weather actually does occur, a tornado
warning or severe thunderstorm warning will be issued.
Tornado Warning - A tornado warning is an alert issued by government weather
services to warn an area that a tornado may be imminent. It can be issued after
either a tornado or funnel cloud has already been spotted, or if there are radar
indications that a tornado may be possible.
A tornado warning is issued when:
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A tornado is reported on the ground or is indicated by algorithm analysis on a
weather radar output
A waterspout is headed toward landfall
A funnel cloud is reported in the sky
It is also sometimes issued when, depending on the circumstances:
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A thunderstorm with a threshold strong, tight rotation signature is indicated
by Doppler capable weather radar, or
A rotating wall cloud is reported (in context of all other available information).
A tornado warning means there is immediate danger for the warned and immediately
surrounding area -- if not from the relatively narrow tornado itself, from the severe
thunderstorm producing (or likely to produce) it. All in the path of such a storm are
urged to take cover immediately, as it is a life-threatening situation. A warning
should not be confused with a tornado watch (issued by a national guidance center,
the Storm Prediction Center) which only indicates that conditions are favorable for
the formation of tornadoes.
Tornado Emergency - A tornado emergency is issued by the National Weather
Service (NWS) when a large, violent tornado is expected to impact a populated area.
A Tornado Emergency is simply enhanced wording added (at the discretion of the
forecasters working the event, or according to policy of the local National Weather
Service office) to a standard tornado warning, mainly a headline containing the
phrase "Tornado Emergency for..." and specific information about areas in the path.
Since information about the tornado and its exact path are often ascertained after
the initial tornado warning is issued, this designation is usually added to the Severe
Weather Statement (SVS) that is used to follow-up a tornado warning.
Take Protective Measures
Before a Tornado
Be alert to changing weather conditions.
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Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts
for the latest information.
Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
o Dark, often greenish sky
o Large hail
o A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
o Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter
immediately.
During a Tornado
If your area is under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!
A structure (e.g.
residence, small
building, school,
nursing home,
hospital, factory,
shopping center,
high-rise building)
Go to a pre-designated shelter area such
as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or
the lowest building level. If there is no
basement, go to the center of an interior
room on the lowest level (closet, interior
hallway) away from corners, windows,
doors, and outside walls. Put as many
walls as possible between you and the
outside. Get under a sturdy table and use
your arms to protect your head and neck.
Do not open windows.
A vehicle, trailer, or
mobile home
Get out immediately and go to the lowest
floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a
storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied
down, offer little protection from
tornadoes.
The outside with no
shelter
Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression
and cover your head with your hands. Be
aware of the potential for flooding.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge.
You are safer in a low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in urban
or congested areas in a car or truck.
Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for
safe shelter.
Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris
from tornadoes causes most fatalities and
injuries.
Be prepared before the storm hits:
By the time a tornado is heading toward you, it is usually too late to make a plan.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, you should:
· 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.
· Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a
disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family
knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person. This will help
should the family be separated during the storm.
Preparing a tornado safety kit:
The American Red Cross suggests that you assemble a "disaster supplies kit" that
you keep in your shelter area.
The kit should contain:
1. A first aid kit with essential medication in addition to the usual items
2. A battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
3. Canned and other non-perishable foods and a hand-operated can opener
4. Bottled water
5. Candles and matches
6. Sturdy shoes and work gloves
7. Cash and credit cards
8. Written instructions on how to turn off your homes utilities
After a tornado:
1. Help injured or trapped people.
2. Give first aid when appropriate.
3. Don't try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of
further injury.
4. Call for help.
5. Turn on a radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
6. Stay out of damaged buildings.
7. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
8. Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
9. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, or gasoline or other flammable liquids
immediately. Leave the building if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
10. Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents, for insurance
purposes.
11. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants,
the elderly, and people with disabilities.