Tornadoes can occur anywhere, at any
time of the year, at any time of the day. Knowing what
to do when severe weather strikes can save lives. The state-wide tornado drill
is an opportunity to learn more about protecting yourself and your family. In an
average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, resulting in 80 deaths and
over 1500 injuries. In the
Midwestern states, peak tornado occurrence is in mid-March through late June.
Missouri is in “tornado alley” which places the state in the top 5
for tornado activity. Most
tornadoes occur between 12 PM and 12 AM (the warmest part of the day which
provides the lift for the formation of severe thunderstorms). However, tornadoes
have occurred at all times of the day and night, with or without lightening and
hail, and from every direction. Knowing what to look for and the safest places
to go could make the difference when seconds count!
Know what to listen for...
·
A Tornado
Watch is issued when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert
for approaching storms.
·
A Tornado
Warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by
weather radar. Move to your pre-designated place of safety
Stay informed of weather conditions by tuning into local radio and
television stations or by listening to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest tornado
watches and warnings. Remember, tornadoes occasionally develop in areas in which
a severe thunderstorm watch or warning is in effect, so listen for that
information as well. Remain alert!
Know
what to look for... Environmental Clues
·
dark, often greenish sky
·
wall cloud
·
large hail
·
loud roar, similar to a freight train
·
some tornadoes appear as a visible
funnel extending only partially to the ground.
·
some tornadoes are clearly visible
while other are obscured by rain or nearby low-hanging clouds
·
Develop a plan for you and your family
for home, work, school, and outdoors.
·
Have frequent drills.
·
Keep a highway map nearby to follow
storm movement from weather bulletins.
·
Listen to radio and television for
information. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio
·
If planning a trip outdoors, listen to
the latest forecasts and take necessary action if threatening weather is
possible.
·
Know who is most at risk: people in
manufactured (mobile) homes, people in automobiles; the elderly, very young,
the physically or mentally impaired; or people who may not understand the
warning due to a language barrier.
If
a Warning is issued or if threatening weather approaches...
·
In a home or building, move to a
pre-designated shelter or the lowest level, such as a basement.
·
If an underground shelter is not
available, move to an interior room, bathroom or hallway on the lowest floor and
get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
·
Stay away from windows.
·
Get out of automobiles.
·
Do not try to outrun a tornado in your
car; instead, leave it immediately.
·
If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie
flat in a nearby ditch or depression.
·
Manufactured (mobile) homes, even if
tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned.
Each year, many people are killed or
seriously injured by tornadoes despite advance warning. Some did not hear the
warning while others received the warning but did not believe a tornado would
actually affect them. After you have received the warning or observed
threatening skies, YOU must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm
arrives. It could be the most important
decision you will ever make.
For more information about enhancing the quality of your life, family and community, visit the online newsletter LifeTimes at http://extension.missouri.edu/ecregion/lifetimes