Are you ready for a Tornado?

Information courtesy of:
[-] American Red Cross

Reprinted by Permission of the American Red Cross (1995) -
Lee County, Alabama Chapter

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's what you can do to prepare for a Tornado.

Prepare a home Tornado plan:

     [*] Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed
     your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center
     hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place
     uncluttered.
     [*] If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go
     to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the
     building.
     [*] Assemble a Tornado Safety Kit containing:
          [*] First aid kit and essential medications
          [*] Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
          [*] Canned food and can opener
          [*] Bottled water
          [*] Sturdy shoes and work gloves
     [*] Also include in the kit written instructions on how to turn off your
     home's utilities
     [*] Conduct periodic tornado drills, so everyone remembers what to do when
     a tornado is approaching.

Stay tuned for storm warnings:

     [*] Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm
     information
     [*] Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
          [*] A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
          [*] A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be
          headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
          [*] Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by the county or parish.

When a tornado WATCH is issued:

     [*] Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
     [*] Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound
     of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a
     freight train.

When a tornado WARNING is issued:

     [*] If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself
     from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your
     area.
     [*] If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building
     or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
     [*] If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for
     safety (as above).

After the tornado passes:

     [*] Watch out for fallen power lines and do not venture into the damaged
     area.
     [*] Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
     [*] Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Plan and get ready:

Forget The Wizard of Oz notion that "twisters" only happen in Kansas. Tornadoes
have been reported in every state. And while they generally occur during spring
and summer, they can happen anytime during the year.

With winds swirling at 200 miles an hour or more, a tornado can destroy just
about anything in its path., Generally, there are weather signs and warnings
that will alert you to take precautions.

Be prepared by having various family members do each of the items on the
checklist below. Then get together to discuss and finalize your Home Tornado
Plan.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick a safety spot in your home where family members could gather during a
tornado. (If you have a basement, make it your safety spot.) Make sure there
are no windows or glass doors in the area. Keep this place uncluttered.

Basement: ____ Yes ____ No

If yes, basement is your safety spot.
If no (or if you're in a high-rise building), choose another safety spot.

Location of safety spot:______________________________

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you live in a mobile home, choose another safety spot in a sturdy, nearby
building.

Location of safety spot:______________________________

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Put together a tornado Safety Kit in a clearly labeled, easy-to-grab box.

Location of Tornado Safety Kit:_______________________

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Write instructions on how and when to turn off your utilities - electricity,
gas, and water.

Instructions written:____________________(date)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make sure all family members know the name of the county or parish where you
live or are traveling, since tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by the
county or parish.

Name of county/parish where you live:_______________________

Name of county/parish where you are traveling:________________

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And remember...when a thunderstorm, tornado, earthquake, flood, fire, or other
emergency happens in your community, you can count on your local American Red
Cross chapter to be there to help you and your family. That's been our role for
more than 100 years.

ARC4457
January 1991