Recreation Jobs Contact Us
  
Main Menu Home Residents Businesses Government Visitors Public Agencies Public Safety Maps Transportation Recreation
How Can We Help You?

   Department of Public Safety- Tornadoes

 

Prepare for a Tornado

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a tornado hazard.
A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area. You should monitor NOAA Weather Radio local radio and television news outlets for the latest developments.
A tornado warning is when a tornado is actually occurring, take shelter immediately.
Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning. Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection. If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris. A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible.
If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Plan to stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed. Get a kit of emergency supplies. Store it in your shelter location.
 

Visit NOAA Watch for more weather-related information. http://www.noaawatch.gov/


Plan to Take Shelter
If local authorities issue a tornado warning or if you see a funnel cloud. Take shelter immediately.
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available. See
instructions for Emergency Information.
Stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.

 

Fujita-Pearson Tornado Scale
 
 
Scale Wind Speed
F-0 40-72
F-1 73-112
F-2 113-157
F-3 158-206
F-4 207-260
F-5 261-318
 

Back to Homepage           This site is speech enabled Back to Be Prepared