Louisiana Tech University
Department of Environmental Safety
Quarterly Safety Meeting

Topic 6

(318) 257-2120

TORNADO SAFETY

Before:

• When the weather begins to look stormy, turn to a local radio or television station for the weather report. If a tornado "watch" is issued, that means one is possible. If a "warning" is issued, that means a tornado has been spotted, or is strongly indicated by radar. It's time to take shelter.

• Nature has its own warning system, but these days weather technology and spotters are more reliable and give us more time to take cover. Still, it never hurts to pay attention. Here are some indications that severe weather is imminent or here: A sickly green or greenish-black cast in the clouds. Pets or livestock getting agitated. Hail. A strange quiet within a storm. Rotating clouds or clouds that converge in one area of the sky. A rushing sound that turns into a roar. Tree branches or fallen leaves being pulled upward. A funnel-shaped cloud that is rotating.

• It's best to go to the basement or a windowless interior room. Store essential supplies there; precious time will be lost hunting for them at the last minute. At minimum, your shelter area should include blankets, a flashlight and batteries, a whistle, a first-aid kit and a battery-powered radio.

• Conduct a tornado drill with your family every year to help everyone remember what to do and where to go. Practice will reduce panic when it's the real thing.

• Choose a friend or family member in another part of town to be the "check-in person" for every family member to call should they be separated during the storm.
  
  

During:

• In homes or small buildings: Go to the basement if possible, or to an interior room such as a rest room or closet on the lowest floor. Crouch under something sturdy, such as a staircase or workbench. Wrap up in coats, blankets, or sleeping bags to protect yourself from flying debris.

• In schools, hospitals, factories, shopping centers and high-rise buildings: Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. In high-rise buildings, a central stairway may be your best option. Stay away from outside doors, glass-enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs, such as atriums, auditoriums, gymnasiums or warehouses.

• In a car, RV or mobile home: Immediately leave it or go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter. Vehicles can be rolled, thrown and crushed; mobile homes can be torn apart by high winds.

• If you are outside in an isolated area, lying flat in a ditch or low-lying area may be your best option.
  
  

After:

• Check on your neighbors to make sure they are OK.

• As soon as you can, contact your "check-in" person, even if everyone is accounted for and you don't need help.

• Listen to the radio or TV for information about the extent of the damage and where to go for help in your area.

• Authorities may evacuate the area because of the damage of the danger caused by downed power lines and gas leaks. That's one reason some disaster workers recommend keeping a bag packed with a change of clothing and other necessities for each family member in your home's shelter area. Remember to take it with you. If you need a place to stay or other help, contact the American Red Cross or Salvation Army, which may well have representatives on the scene.