Tornadoes can be devastating acts of nature. Often violent thunderstorms and tornadoes create funnel-shaped eddies. These storms can reach winds of 300 miles per hour, and can devastate neighborhoods and cities in minutes. In order to protect yourself and your family from this natural disaster, please follow the instructions in this guide.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Before the Tornado
Step 1. Prepare your family
- Make a plan and put it into practice. Create a list with contact information, insurance information, and in case of an emergency, out-of-town contacts. Make sure everyone in the family knows where to go, what to do, and how to be safe if a tornado arrives.
- Set aside important documents, just in case. Make copies of birth certificates, insurance information, and social security cards to take with you in the event of an evacuation. This will be useful if you can't go home right after the tornado.
- Set up the media. Make sure everyone in the family knows how to contact everyone else. School, work and mobile numbers must be filled in on a list. Anyone who is with your children during the emergency, such as a babysitter, should be included on this list. Keep the list with copies of important documents. Determine who will be responsible for having these documents if evacuation is necessary.
- Find out about the nearest evacuation center. If you are in a risk area, it is important to know the safest place to go. In most cases, schools, the community center, are used. These places will provide medical care and food and can also be used as a meeting place for your family after the storm.
Step 2. Prepare the house
- Create an emergency kit. This should include water and food for at least 72 hours. Also include a means of communication or information (radio, satellite phone, etc.). First aid supplies, clothing and toiletries should be stored along with flashlights, batteries, etc. For more ideas, see:
- Build or establish a safe room. The rooms that can generally be used include basements, garages, interior rooms on the first floor, etc. The room must have no windows, must be anchored to the ground to prevent lifting, and be strong enough to withstand any debris that may come into contact. Be aware that water can accompany the storm, so be cautious when using basements and underground rooms, as they may fill with water.
- Arrange and secure objects around the house. Place furniture away from windows, mirrors, or glass to prevent it from breaking during the tornado. Make sure all objects that can move during the storm are moved away from your family. Use eye bolts or wall brackets to secure large furniture to the walls.
Part 2 of 4: During a Storm
Step 1. Recognize the signs
Tornadoes usually only develop in the presence of thunderstorms (although the thunderstorm can be some distance away), so lightning, rain, and hail (especially if they occur after a tornado warning or warning) should put you on guard. Also, watch out for the following signs:
- Dark sky, especially if it appears a sickly greenish color (indicates hail) or an orange color (dust blown up by strong winds)
- Strong and persistent rotation of the clouds
- Very calm and peaceful condition during or shortly after a thunderstorm
- A rumble or roar that sounds like continuous thunder or sometimes a train or jet
- Debris rolling on the ground, even in the absence of a whirlwind.
- Blue - green or white lightning at ground level in the distance at night - a sign of power lines being broken by strong wind
Step 2. Stay informed
Even if you know the signs of a tornado, you can't always rely on your eyes and ears alone to know if a tornado is on the way. Listen to local radio or watch local news, especially in conditions that can generate a tornado. Purchase an automatic radio torch. This will allow you to stay informed, does not use batteries, and provides light. See the item about buying and using automatic radios listed below.
- In the United States the best way to get bad weather information is to have a NOAA radio that provides weather information. These can be bought inexpensively at most camping and hiking supply stores. If possible, find one with a spare battery and an alert tone feature, which automatically alerts you when the National Weather Service issues a weather alert for your area.
- Find a website with a local radar. This will give you a real-time view of the storm cells in the area: you will be able to see the intensity and direction of the tornado and know more precisely when to take precautions. Several weather websites have this feature.
- Find out if your community has tornado sirens and learn their sound so you can recognize it in case of danger.
Step 3. Listen to weather warnings and reports
- A 'tornado-watch' indicates that conditions are right for tornadoes and tornadoes to develop in your area. In this case, pay special attention to atmospheric conditions.
- A 'tornado-warning' indicates that a tornado is taking place in your area or that the radar indicates the presence of a tornado. If a tornado warning is released, you should seek appropriate shelter immediately.
- A 'tornado-emergency' means that a tornado warning has been issued, and it is heading for a densely populated area. Immediately seek shelter and listen to the weather forecast.
- A 'severe-warning thunderstorm' means that a severe thunderstorm has been sighted in your area, and you should take appropriate precautions for the tornado.
- Keep a map of your area handy so you can identify the location of a storm when it is announced on the radio.
Part 3 of 4: When the Tornado Strikes
Step 1. Find shelter
- If you are in a building, find the innermost room, either on the first floor or in the basement. Don't stay near windows, or near anything that might hit you (bookshelves, chairs, etc). Put as much distance between you and the tornado as possible.
- If you are in a caravan or prefab, find the nearest safe facility for protection.
- If you own a car, try to drive to the nearest shelter away from the storm. If that's not possible, stay in the car, get down and cover yourself with a blanket. Keep your seat belt.
- If you are in an open space, get as low as possible to the ground and cover your head. Don't hide under a bridge or flyover. Above all, beware of flying debris.
- Note: Never try to wreak havoc.
Step 2. Wait for it to pass
Never leave the shelter until you are sure the storm has passed. Strong winds can still be dangerous, so don't go outside if debris is still moving in the air or on the ground.
Part 4 of 4: After the Tornado
Step 1. Take care of the injured first
Use the first aid kit and treat small wounds. If anyone needs medical attention, wait for the storm to end and then seek help.
Step 2. Shut down the utilities
Since gas leaks are extremely dangerous, the first thing to do is shut off gas, water and electricity. A damaged hose or switch could cause fire or explosion. Never light matches or use a lighter if you suspect a gas leak, or if you haven't already turned off the utilities.
Step 3. Inspect the damage
Use a light, not a torch or candle, to inspect the house, as there may be a gas leak. Notice any damage, but most importantly look for any structural damage that could be an immediate danger to your family. If you suspect that part of the house is unsafe, find another shelter.
Step 4. Search for an evacuation center if necessary
If you or your family need medical attention or suspect structural damage that could be a threat, seek out a center. These often offer supplies, but it's important to carry as many emergency supplies as you can.
Step 5. Stay alert
Make sure the storm is over before you go home or leave the house to assess the damage. Strong winds can return, putting you in danger once again. Stay tuned to the radio for more information on the situation in your city or neighborhood.
Step 6. Fix what you can
Once it's safe to go home or go out, start cleaning up as much as you can. Move dangerous items carefully, and make a note to your insurance company of anything that has been damaged. Taking pictures will help you with complaints later.
Step 7. If you are lucky, help others
If your family and property are unharmed, you must be grateful, but remember that not everyone is that lucky. Participate in rescue or volunteer operations. Always follow the orders of public officials when doing this, to make sure you are making a constructive contribution and not further damaging the situation.
Advice
- Inform the children about the tornadoes, so they will learn some of the signs, and stay alert.
- Stay away from windows.
- Never go outside during a tornado to witness or calculate the distance of the tornado from your location. Doing so puts yourself and / or others in grave danger.
- Stay safe. Don't do anything stupid just because you want a nice video or photo.
- Keep an eye out for fast moving clouds, especially spinning cloud formations. Often, tornadoes descend vertically and pop up right back, so it's not always easy to spot them.
- Watch the weather forecast until they say the tornado is over. Only then leave the shelter carefully and cautiously.
- If you have time, close shutters and curtains to prevent glass from flying into the house.
- If necessary, bring pillows to the safe room.
- Keep calm.
- Learn to recognize time. The national meteorological service offers information courses
- Don't change your decision about where to go during the storm. Once a storm is imminent, don't move and take no chances.
Warnings
- Tornadoes are sometimes obscured by clouds or rain, and the proboscis cloud is not visible.
- If a tornado looks motionless, then it is coming right towards you. Protect yourself immediately.
