Tornados

Before the Storm Hits:

    A little planning can prevent panic and confusion if a tornado does strike.  Learn the warning signals used in your community.  If the outdoor emergency warning siren sounds, tune into your local TV or Radio Stations for information.  Do family drill sessions on tornado procedures as the season approaches.  Put together an emergency kit including candles, matches, transistor radio, flashlight, batteries and a simple first aid kit in a waterproof container.  Conduct drills with your family.

TORNADO WATCHES:

     You can take certain precautions to lessen danger.....Move cars inside a garage or carport, if possible, to avoid damage from hail that often accompanies severe weather storms.  Move lawn furniture and yard equipment inside, they could become damaged or dangerous projectiles causing serious injuries or damage.  Account for family members at home.  Have an emergency kit ready.  Stay tuned to local stations for updates.

TORNADO WARNINGS:

    Seek shelter immediately:

     At Home:    In the basement under something sturdy like a work bench.  If there is no basement, a small room in the middle of the house (a closet or bathroom) is best.  If in a bathtub, cover yourselves with cushions to protect all sides from debris.  Always stay away from outside walls and windows.

    At Work or School:    All public schools have reliable ways to monitor tornado watches and warnings.  Each school has a designated emergency plan that will lead pupils and faculty to designated safe areas.  Teachers and faculty should lead students out of gymnasiums and auditoriums to the designated safe areas (interior rooms and hallways on ground floors, away from windows).  Designated shelter areas are best.  Students should crouch down and make themselves as small as possible, covering their head and neck to protect against injury.

    At Shopping Malls:   Go to a designated area or to the center of the building on the lowest level possible.  A closet, bathroom or other small room with short, stout walls will offer some protection from collapsing walls/roofs and from flying debris.  Stay away from open rooms and areas with windows.  A corner area, away from windows, is safer than a large central area.  NEVER seek shelter in cars in parking lots.

    In Mobile Homes/Cars:   Mobile homes/cars offer poor resistance to tornadic winds.  You should plan on leaving your mobile home/car to seek shelter elsewhere.  Seek a safe structure until after the storm is over.  Most Mobile Home Parks have a recreational building or laundry room which could offer a safe shelter.  Stay away from windows and doors with windows.  Check for people with injuries, offering first aid when necessary.  Always cooperate with local officials.

   Alert Weather Radio 

Another means of learning about emergency conditions.  alert weather radios are available from local electronic stores.  Many different models are available, they usually have battery back-up in case the power goes out and they are loud enough to wake you in the night (most dangerous storm time). Tone alerting are recommended for those who wish to purchase the model.  These radios will activate if there is a weather emergency or an emergency at a Nuclear Power Plant.  It is important that owners of these radios tune into their Emergency Alert Stations upon hearing the tone of the alert weather radio.

Fujita Tornado Scale

Send mail to cheral.white@lakecountyohio.gov with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 05/01/08