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| PREPARING FOR SEVERE WEATHER
Preparing for a tornado/thunderstorm:
• Plan ahead. Be sure everyone in your household knows where to go and what to do in case
of a tornado warning.
• Know the safest location for shelter in your home, workplace and school. Load bearing walls
near the center of the basement or lowest level generally provide the greatest protection.
• Know the location of designated shelter areas in local public facilities, such as schools,
shopping centers and other public buildings.
• Have emergency supplies on hand, including a battery-operated radio, flashlight and a supply
of fresh batteries, first-aid kit, water and cell phone.
• Make an inventory of household furnishings and other possessions. Supplement it with
photographs of each room. Keep in a safe place.
What to do when a thunderstorm approaches your area:
• Seek safe shelter when you first hear thunder, see dark threatening clouds developing
overhead or lightning. Count the seconds between the time you see lightning and hear the
thunder. You should already be in a safe location if that time is less than 30 seconds. Stay
inside until 30 minutes after you last hear thunder. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles
away from any rainfall!
• When you hear thunder, run to the nearest large building or a fully enclosed vehicle (soft-
topped convertibles are not safe). You are not safe anywhere outside.
• If you are boating or swimming, get to land and shelter immediately.
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary
for receiving weather information. Use plug-in telephones only in an emergency.
What to do when a tornado warning is issued for your area:
• Quickly move to shelter in the basement or lowest floor of a permanent structure.
• In homes and small buildings go to the basement and get under something sturdy, like a
workbench or stairwell. If no basement is available, go to an interior part of the home on the
lowest level. A good rule of thumb is to put as many walls between you and the tornado as
possible.
• In schools, hospitals and public places move to designated shelter areas. Interior hallways
on the lowest floors are generally best.
• Stay away from windows | |
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