TORNADOES

A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air, stemming from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes are unpredictable as to where their path will lead. It could demolish your neighbor's house, while leaving yours untouched.

Physical signs of a prospective tornado:

• Color of sky: Green or greenish black.
• Hail: If a watch or warning has been issued, hail usually signifies dangerous weather.
• Quiet: A calm that occurs shortly after a thunderstorm is a clue to an oncoming tornado.
• Clouds: Fast moving clouds are a tornado warning sign.
• Sounds: A locomotive or jet sound is often linked to the sound a tornado makes.
• Debris: Unusual debris falling from the sky may be a signal, even if the weather is normal. Tornadoes can throw debris from as far as 50 miles away.
• Funnel: An obvious funnel shaped cloud rotating in the sky.

Weather announcements will address either a tornado watch or a tornado warning. Here is what each means:

• A tornado "watch" signifies that a tornado is possible.
• A tornado "warning" means a tornado has been spotted or is strongly indicated on the radar. If a warning has been issued, it is time to go to safe shelter immediately. This shelter should be decided before a tornado hits.

If you are at home or in a small building go to the lowest level, preferably in the basement, away from the west and south walls. As said before, the flying debris is what causes the most damage; so hiding under stairs or under a sturdy table will help keep you protected. Also having old blankets or an unused mattress available will add extra protection.

If the lowest area in the home or small building is the first floor, go to a small, windowless interior room like a closet or bathroom. The key is to put as many walls between you and the tornado.

The ultimate protective shelter is a storm shelter that is specified for an event such as a tornado. A storm shelter or "safe room" can be built inside the basement or underground outside the house.

If you live or work in a high-rise building, the safest location is an interior room or hallway. Central stairways are good but please stay away from elevators.

If you are in a mobile home, make arrangements ahead of time with the manager of the complex to find the nearest available shelter. If there is none and a tornado is preeminent, get out of the house and lie flat in a ditch away from the mobile home.

This also applies if you are caught outdoors in tornado weather either on foot or in a vehicle. Head for the nearest building or home. If your only option is the outdoors, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. If there is no rain, a culvert in a ditch could be a good choice. However, if there is rain, flash flooding may be more dangerous than the actual tornado. This is also relevant if you are in a car and see a tornado approaching. Trying to outrun the tornado is incredibly risky because it can easily change direction and outrun you.

An underpass may also seem like a logical place to head for safety. Strong tornadoes have the ability to suck you out and if you are not sucked out, you are trapped with flying debris that is bouncing off the walls, gaining more speed. Again, lying flat in the lowest area of ground is the most recommended choice.

Disaster Supply Kit

A disaster supply kit is something that should be prepared before a storm hits and stored in your shelter area.

The kit should contain:

• First aid kit
• Battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
• Canned and other non-perishable food items with a hand-operated can opener
• Bottled water
• Work gloves and sturdy shoes

What to do after a tornado strikes:

• Do not move anyone who has been seriously injured unless they are in danger of further injury.
• Do not enter any buildings (including your home) until the authorities declare it's safe.
• For insurance purposes, take pictures of the damage both to the house and its contents.
• Call your local gas company to check for leaks. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, immediately leave the building.
• Turn off the electricity at the main fuse box and look for electrical system damage. An electrician would best handle this job.
• If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using toilets and call a plumber. If you believe the water lines have incurred harm, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap.

Tornado Power

Tornadoes have an awesome power to destroy a small restaurant but leave a jar of straws completely in tact on the counter. The Fujita-Pearson Tornado Scale can give you an idea of what they are capable of and how each one is rated.

F-0: 40-72 mph, chimney damage, tree branches broken
F-1: 73-112 mph, mobile homes pushed off foundation or overturned
F-2: 113-157 mph, considerable damage, mobile homes demolished, trees uprooted
F-3: 158-205 mph, roofs and walls torn down, trains overturned, cars thrown
F-4: 207-260 mph, well-constructed walls leveled
F-5: 261-318 mph, homes lifted off foundation and carried considerable distances, autos thrown as far as 100 meters