Even though the technology to detect oncoming tornadoes well in advance is significantly improving, tornado occurrences are often unpredictable. Tornadoes come at a whirling speed of up to 110 miles per hour, and the most extreme and dangerous tornadoes can reach wind speeds of up to 300 miles per hour. Heavy winds and a rotation of dust and debris are some of the signs of an impending tornado. If one hits suddenly, it helps to be prepared--it can save your life.
It is always good familiarize yourself with the terms related to tornado occurrences:
Tornado watch: A state where there is a possibility for a tornado to occur. If there is a severe thunderstorm and the situation becomes worse, then a tornado is likely to occur.
Tornado warning: A warning is given when a tornado is seen by someone or indicated by radar from weather services. It means that a tornado is imminent.
Before a tornado hits, prepare yourself with an emergency plan by following some of these useful tips:
Preparing yourself for a tornado
Prepare your home: Before the tornado hits your area, determine the safest place in your home to retreat to until the tornado passes. Typically, the safest room in your home can be your finished basement, bathrooms or closets, as these are areas of the house that usually offer more protection structurally. Houses with basements are much safer during a tornado when compared with homes without basements. Practice and prepare your family by conducting tornado drills every so often, so everyone is aware of what to do in the event of one.
If you don't have a basement in your home, always choose interior rooms or hallways. Believe it or not, the bathtub is another safe place to shelter yourself during a tornado. If possible, try to cover yourself with thick padding, such as a mattress or blankets to protect from any falling debris. Make sure that the safe room you select for protection does not have any windows that can shatter and send shards of glass flying everywhere. It is also important to have a list of storm shelters in your area.
Remember to make an emergency tornado kit and have it ready well before a storm occurs. The kit should contain the following items:
- Non-perishable food and water that can last for at least 72 hours
- First-aid kit and toiletries
- Essential medicines
- Flashlights and additional batteries with a full charge
- Battery-powered or hand radio
- Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation and non-electric can openers.
- Cash and credit cards
- Cell phone with fully charged batteries and chargers
- Sturdy shoes
Arrange all of your heavy furniture to be placed away from any doors and windows. This will help to keep you away from doors and windows in the event of a tornado, and it will also lessen the chance that big pieces of furniture will be turned into projectiles and flying debris if a tornado hits your home.
Discuss with your family members a tornado safety plan and make them aware of the emergency evacuation protocol and the emergency kit that you have prepared. Develop a means of communication that they should take in case of an emergency. Have a list of contact information visibly posted and make sure that everyone in the home knows about the places that they have to go if a tornado occurs suddenly. Let them also know where the closest evacuation center is.
Also, make photo copies of all of your important documents and paperwork and keep them in a safe place that will not be damaged by a tornado hitting your home.
Stay tuned to watches and warnings
As tornadoes usually develop from thunderstorms that are in the area, stay informed about the storm conditions. A tornado always comes with a strong funnel of wind and a distinctly loud roaring sound that almost sounds like a train. It is usually best to monitor the local radios, local TV channels and other means of media to get any updates on emergency information. The best way to do this, which will minimize your usage of battery power should you need it after the tornado, is to use a self-powered radio and flashlight combo unit.
If possible, check online and visit the local weather page for weather updates. If this page shows any indications of a storm, then start preparing for a tornado as soon as you can. Keep an eye out for any tornado watch updates or tornado warnings.
Survival action plan when tornado strikes:
If a tornado is imminent and your local weather service has issued a tornado warning for your area, or there are reports that a tornado has touched down, then the following action plan will help you to find a safe shelter for you to take cover in while the storm passes.
| For an instance, if you are in |
Action plan |
| Home, structure, a building or school |
Find the basement, closets or bathtubs. If there is no basement, find the interior rooms or hallways and cover yourself with thick padding. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. |
| A mobile home or trailer |
Search for the nearest structure and hide out there. It is better to leave your mobile home when a tornado watch is announced, as these structures will not withstand a tornado and will likely be destroyed. |
| A vehicle |
Drive to the nearest structured shelter in a nearby building if possible, or if the storm is close to you, take shelter in your car and cover yourself with a blanket. Never try to out-drive a tornado with your car. |
| Open ground |
Get to the closest place to the ground and cover your head with your hands or lie down in a ditch or low-lying area. |
Tip: It is important to remember not to go under an overpass or bridge during an impending tornado, as this can be extremely dangerous. In some scenarios, they may collapse due to the heavy winds. Take your shelter in a safe place until the storm has passed.
Aftermath of a tornado
After the tornado passes, you should survey your surroundings carefully and take these necessary steps to ensure your safety:
- Turn on the television or radio for more instructions and updates.
- Help the injured if you have not been injured yourself. Immediately take any injured people to the nearest hospital, if possible. If not, call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance if the tornado has caused extensive damage and made it impossible to travel.
- Use telephones only for emergency calls, as you want to save your battery charge in case of a power outage.
- Once you enter your home, check for the gas leaks, inspect the floor and metal roofing and inspect the interior of the buildings. If you find any gas leaks, open the windows and leave the building.
- If you wish to file an insurance claim for any damage done to your home during the tornado, then it is best to take pictures of the damage as soon as you can.