Every year, dozens of people die due to tornadoes, violent storms that produce the fastest winds on the planet. Although tornadoes are unpredictable, warning times have gotten better as radars and computers have advanced in recent years. For a person that lives in an area that is a frequent target of tornadoes, taking a few precautions can mean the difference between life and death.
When the National Weather Service’s weather models show that conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes, the agency will issue a tornado watch for a region. A tornado watch means that people in the area should be aware that tornadoes could form with little or no warning and to prepare accordingly for them. When a tornado is spotted on the ground by trained storm spotters or is indicated on radar, a tornado warning will be issued. A tornado warning means that a tornado is imminent or may have already developed.
Before a tornado watch or warning is issued, individuals living in areas that are prone to tornadoes should formulate an emergency plan that outlines what actions need to be taken during an actual tornado. This plan should include contacting any relatives who may need help during an emergency situation like the elderly, handicapped, or children. Next, the plan should outline where to go for shelter during the storm. Finally, planner should indicate what to do after a tornado has passed.
In addition, before a storm hits, it’s a good idea to assemble an emergency storm kit. This kit should include a first aid kit, a flashlight, a storm radio, batteries, a pair of sturdy shoes, extra clothing, and enough non-perishable food and water for three days.
When a tornado hits, it’s important to know where to go for shelter. In a home, the best place to hide is in a basement. If a home does not contain a basement, the next best place to go in a house is an interior room that lacks windows. These rooms will help to protect individuals against flying debris, the biggest killer during a tornado. Once in the shelter area, people hiding from the tornado need to cover themselves with padding or hide under heavy furniture.
Individuals that live in mobile homes or trailers are in a particularly precarious position. These homes are not anchored to the ground and can be easily lifted and destroyed by even a weak tornado. For people living in a mobile home or trailer, the safest spot during a tornado is a community shelter or other strong building.
Tornadoes can strike at any time during the day, which puts children at school at risk. Although most schools across the country have mandatory tornado drills, it’s important to reemphasize to children what to do during these storms. Shelter should be taken in an interior hallway on the lowest floor of the building and away from windows. Areas like a gymnasium should be avoided because the large room can be destroyed easily by a tornado.
Sometimes people are on the road in a car when a tornado strikes. If possible, a driver should travel at right angles to the path of the tornado. However, sometimes there is no time to escape from the storm. In this case, the driver needs to abandon the car and hide in a ditch or low lying area, making sure to protect his head. Remaining in a car can be deadly because they can be lifted and destroyed easily by even a weak tornado.
After a tornado hits, the injured should be tended to and given first aid. After that, if possible survivors should tune into their weather radios for instructions on what to do. The time after a tornado has passed may be as dangerous as during the storm. Debris will be everywhere, making walking dangerous. Also, there may be gas leaks in the area that can cause fires or explosions. If the authorities evacuate the area that has been hit, it’s important to carry identification in order to get back into the area when cleanup begins. Next, if possible, victims of a tornado should take pictures of the damage for insurance purposes. Finally, victims of a tornado need to call their relatives as soon as possible to alert them to their status.