Natural Disasters - Tornadoes

To start my March series off, I want to talk about the natural disasters that lead to mass shopping trips. Those shopping trips drive me CRAZY. I call it French Toast weather ... everyone is out to buy bread, milk, butter, and eggs. So, heaven forbid the storm of the century comes ... at least you have bread, milk, butter, and eggs. Seriously!

So, let's start off with tornadoes. I HATE tornadoes and yet ... I live in Kansas. Call me crazy, but in reality, Kansas City does not get hit with that many. However, it is important that one is prepared for a tornado.

The first thing to know is that there is no "tornado season." Tornadoes can happen anytime of the year, but they are most common when the weather fronts are colliding. If you are looking for more information on exactly what a tornado is and what causes them, check out the Wikipedia article. I want to talk about preparing for one.

The first step in preparing for a tornado is to have a safe room (or area) designated for shelter and that all family members know how to get there. A safe room is any area that is free from windows, doors, and debris that could cause injuries. It can be in a basement, on the first floor of the home, or in a separate building (such as a cellar). When you own a home, you will want to consider having a safe room build into your home. There is a big difference between having a home that can withstand heavy winds, and having a room that is build with protection from tornadoes as its main purpose. FEMA offers tips on how to build a storm shelter, and what you should consider.

When you are listening to the weather, they will announce whether there is a tornado warning or a tornado watch. It is important to remember that tornado WARNINGS are more pressing than watches. Tornado warnings are often issued when tornadoes have been spotted in the storm system already.

Tornado Watch - It is possible for a tornado to occur. You should watch the sky and stay tuned to your local weather station for weather alerts.

Tornado Warning - Tornadoes have either been spotted or indicated on the radar. If a warning is issued, take cover immediately (preferably with a radio so you can continue to monitor the weather)

Where You Are At	What You Should Do
Any type of solid structure	Go to the designated shelter area (should be on a map if you are in an unfamiliar location). If there is no basement (such as stores), then you should go to the center of the room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. The idea is to have as many walls between you and the outside weather. Make sure you protect your head and neck with your arms. Do NOT open the windows!!
Trailers	If you have been warned of the tornado, evacuate. Trailers and mobile homes do not offer adequate protection from tornadoes.
Outside	Attempt to find the nearest shelter by getting into a secure vehicle and having the seat belt fastened. If the debris begins to fly, then you will want to park and make sure you cover your head with blankets, coats, or your arms. Anything to protect yourself from the debris. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Do not try to outrun the tornado. They are fickle creatures and can change paths at any time.

TORNADO FACTS:

1. Tornadoes often arrive when the sky is greenish and have a low-lying cloud (usually in a straight line that looks like a wall - aka. wall cloud)
2. You will hear a loud roar that is similar to a train.
3. They can occur with no warning
4. They are transparent until the debris is sucked into the circling winds.
5. Tornadoes can move in any direction, but favor southwest to northeast.
6. Tornadoes move between 30 to 70 miles per hour, so when warnings go out, you should be prepared to take cover immediately
7. Tornadoes are most common between the hours of 3pm and 9pm, but the deadliest are after the sun goes down.
8. Peak tornado season ranges from March to August, but they can easily occur at any time of the year.

MORE INFORMATION:

You can find more information at FEMA's website, NOAA Watch, and the American Red Cross.