What Steps Should We Take Immediately If a Tornado Warning Is Issued?
Tornado warnings can be extremely scary and dangerous. Knowing the right steps to take can make a huge difference in your safety and well-being. Let’s break down everything you need to know to stay safe during a tornado.
Before we dive in, here are the key steps you need to take immediately if a tornado warning is issued:
- Seek Shelter Immediately
- Know Where to Go
- Prepare to Shelter in Place
- Stay Informed
- Protect Yourself
- Avoid Dangerous Areas
- Remain in Shelter Until Safe
1. Seek Shelter Immediately
Primary Action:
- The very first thing you should do if you hear a tornado warning is seek shelter immediately. Tornadoes can form quickly and can be extremely destructive, so wasting time is not an option.
What is a Tornado Warning?
- A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar. This is different from a tornado watch, which means conditions are favorable for tornadoes but one hasn’t been spotted yet.
Where to Find Shelter:
- Basement: Ideally, go to a basement or a storm cellar. These are the safest places since they are underground.
- Interior Room: If you don’t have a basement, go to a small, windowless, interior room on the lowest level of your house, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway.
2. Know Where to Go
Specific Shelter Locations:
- At Home: Plan ahead to know your safest spot. As mentioned, basements and small, windowless interior rooms on the lowest floor are best.
- At School or Work: Follow the established tornado drills. Most schools and workplaces have specific tornado shelters or instructions on where to go.
- In a Mobile Home or Vehicle: Mobile homes are unsafe during a tornado. If you’re in a vehicle or a mobile home, leave it immediately and find a sturdy building or lie down in a low-lying area, like a ditch.
3. Prepare to Shelter in Place
Supplies to Have Nearby:
- Emergency Kit: Keep a backup emergency kit in your shelter area that includes:
- Water and non-perishable food: At least three days’ worth
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid supplies
- Whistle or air horn: In case you’re trapped under debris
- Helmets: Bicycle or sporting helmets can protect your head from injuries
- Heavy-soled shoes: To protect your feet from debris if you need to walk around after the tornado
- Cell phone and charger: For communication
- Blankets or sleeping bags: For warmth
4. Stay Informed
How to Stay Updated:
- Weather Radio: Keep a NOAA weather radio handy. It’s a dedicated source of emergency information.
- Apps and Alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts on your phone. Use trusted apps like those from the National Weather Service (NWS) or local news stations.
- Television and Radio: Stay tuned to local news stations, either through TV or the radio (if you have a battery-operated radio in case the power goes out).
5. Protect Yourself
How to Take Cover:
- Get Low: Stay as low to the ground as possible to avoid wind and flying debris.
- Cover Yourself: Use mattresses, sleeping bags, heavy blankets, or even your arms to protect your head and neck. If available, wear a helmet.
- Under Sturdy Furniture: If possible, get under something sturdy like a heavy table or workbench to provide an extra layer of protection.
6. Avoid Dangerous Areas
Areas to Avoid:
- Windows: Flying glass and debris make windows extremely hazardous. Avoid rooms with windows.
- Exterior Walls: Outer walls are less sturdy and more likely to collapse.
- Elevators: Take stairwells instead. Elevators can fail during power outages.
7. Remain in Shelter Until Safe
When to Come Out:
- Wait for All Clear: Do not leave your shelter until you get the all-clear signal. Tornadoes often travel in swarms, so there may be more than one.
- Listen to Authorities: Follow updates from emergency services or local authorities who will inform you when it’s safe.
Additional Context and Resources
Understanding the overall impact and preparedness for tornadoes can help you make better decisions both immediately and in the long term.
Understanding Tornado Warnings
Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Powered by extreme winds that can top 300 miles per hour, they can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. The duration of a tornado warning typically lasts for about 30 minutes but can vary. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are key sources for accurate and timely tornado warnings.
Long-Term Preparedness
Family Emergency Plan:
- Create a family emergency plan that includes where to go and what to do if a tornado strikes.
- Conduct regular tornado drills so everyone knows exactly what to do and where to go.
Home Preparation:
- Secure heavy furniture to walls.
- Remove dead or loose branches from trees.
- Consider building a storm shelter if you live in a tornado-prone area.
Community Involvement:
- Engage in community preparedness programs.
- Participate in local emergency planning councils.
Trusted Resources
For more detailed information, consider these excellent resources:
- National Weather Service (NWS)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- American Red Cross
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – For health-related emergencies.
Disclaimer: The advice provided here is general and may not be suitable for every situation. Always follow the guidance of local authorities and emergency services for specific actions and instructions relevant to your location and circumstances.
Being well-prepared and knowing exactly what to do when a tornado warning is issued can save lives. Taking these steps immediately can help ensure that you and your loved ones stay as safe as possible during one of nature’s most unpredictable and dangerous events. Stay safe and prepared!
Make sure to check out more articles in our News & Views section. Feel free to reach out any time to see how Entropy Survival can help you prepare you and your family for any disaster or survival scenario.