Emergency Fundamentals will prepare people for emergencies at home from natural or man-made disasters by giving them access to emergency preparedness information. They will also be able to purchase products and kits to prepare for these emergencies.

TORNADOES - Nature's Most Violent Storms

Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. They can appear suddenly without warning and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel cloud appears. They are initiated by strong thunderstorms.These thunderstorms often produce large hail, strong winds, as well as tornadoes. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that stretches to the ground with whirlwinds that can ready 250-300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some rish from tornadoes.

TORNADO FACTS

From The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• A tornado is a violenting spinning column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.
• Tornadoes are capable of destroying homes and vehicles and can cause fatalities.
• Tornadoes may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
• Tornadoes may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel. The average tornado moves SW to NE but have been know to move in any direction.
• The average forward speed is 30 mph but may vary from stationary to 70 mph and have rotating winds in excess of 250 mph.
• Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
• Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
• Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months, but can occur in any state at any time of the year.
• In the southern states, peak tornado season is March through May, while peak months in the northern states are during the late spring and early summer.
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time of the day or night.

BEFORE:

1. Know the terms used to describe tornado threats:

• Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. You should monitor NOAA Weather Radio local radio and television news networks for updated reports. Some tornado danger signs are: 1) dark, often greenish sky, 2) large hail, 3) a large, dark, low-lying cloud, and 4) loud roar, similar to a freight train.
• Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

2. Know and practice your emergency plan.

3. Have your 3-day emergency kit readily available as well as a small emergency kit in your vehicle. Click here for ideas on how to put one together yourself.

4. Listen to radio or television stations for current information.

5. Determine places to seek shelter, such as a basement or storm cellar. If an underground shelter is not available, identify an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor.

6. Know where and how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves.

7. If there is time, secure objects that could be blown away, such as; boats, sheds, dog house, etc.

8. Tie down or bring indoors items that can't be tied down, such as; toys, patio furniture, trash cans, etc.

9. Protect glass windows & doors by boarding up, taping or closing the shutters if high winds are suspected. Do not open windows. This is a myth. Opening windows allow damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave windows alone.

 Dangers are:

• The most immediate danger from a tornado is the damage to life and property from the violently whirling winds and debris.
• Broken power lines and roads blocked from debris.
• Collapse of buildings - either total or partial.

DURING:

1. Have your 3-day emergency kit wherever you are.

2. Stay inside a secure and stable building.

3. Continue to listen to local authorities.

4. Stay away from windows, doors, skylights and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. 

5. One of the safest places to go during a destructive windstorm is in the corner of the building next to the wall, away from glass.

6. Don't stay in your car, trailer or mobile home. Find a secure and stable building or lie in a ditch and shield your head. Cover your face with clothing to prevent suffocation from the dust.

7. If in a vehicle, do not try to outrun a tornado; instead, leave it immediately. 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.

AFTER:

1. Administer first aid to those in need.

2. Stay sheltered until notified by officials that it is safe.

3. Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should 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.

4. Don't go sightseeing in the damaged areas. Stay away.

5. Be aware of and report any hazards to proper authorities.

• Damaged roads, bridges, buildings
• Broken gas, water and sewer lines and downed power lines.

6. Don't use electrical appliances or turn on the electricity if the area is wet. Don't stand in water when working with electricity.

7. Use caution when driving through affected areas.

8. Don't use open flame if you suspect a gas line to be broken.

9. Inspect food for contamination. Discard if contaminated.

10. Check water supplies for contamination. Purify water if in doubt.