Tornado Safety Information

♦ WHAT IS A TORNADO? A tornado is violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.

♦ WHAT TIME OF THE YEAR DO TORNADOES OCCUR? Tornadoes can form any time of the year.

♦ WHAT DIRECTION DOES A TORNADO MOVE? Tornadoes can move in any direction. Most move from southwest to northeast,

or west to east. Some tornadoes have changed direction amid path, or even backtracked. Forward speeds average 30 mph.

♦ HOW LONG DOES A TORNADO LAST? A tornado can last from several seconds up to more than an hour. Most tornadoes last less than 10 minutes.

1. Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base

2. Whirling dust or debris on the ground under the base of a cloud

3. Many tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can't be seen.

Watch for hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or an intense wind shift.

4. A loud, continuous rumble or roar which doesn't fade in a few seconds like thunder. Ear popping from substantial pressure drops from the tornado.

5. At night, persistent lowering from the cloud base illuminated by lightning.

IN HOMES OR SMALL BUILDINGS :

Go to the basement (if available) or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris.

IN SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, FACTORIES, OR SHOPPING CENTERS:

Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses. Crouch down and cover your head.

IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS:

Go to interior small rooms or halls. Stay away from exterior walls or glassy areas.

IN CARS OR MOBILE HOMES:

ABANDON THEM IMMEDIATELY!! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter.

IF NO SUITABLE STRUCTURE IS NEARBY:

Lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to cover your head.