Tornado Safety Tips
On average, around 1,200 tornados are reported in the U.S. every year. While tornadoes can happen at any time, they are more likely to strike in the months of April, May and June. That doesn’t mean one won’t pop up in December, but the chances of that happening are less.
How to know if a tornado is coming?
Turn on your local radio or television for up-to-date weather reports and be cautious of the signs that a tornado might be forming. Look and listen for:
- Dark clouds and sky, sometimes appearing greenish
- Debris falling from the sky or an approaching debris cloud
- An eerie stillness in the air during or after a thunderstorm
- Sounds like a freight train or roaring noises
How are tornadoes classified?
Tornadoes are classified based on their estimated wind speed and the damage that was caused.
1. EF0, EF1- Wind speeds of 65 to 110 mph (Weak)
2. EF2, EF3- Wind speeds of 111 to 165 mph (Strong)
3. EF4, EF5- Wind speeds of 166 to 200 mph or more (Violent)
Bad weather is always scary but being prepared can help ease your mind when it hits. Below are some tips on staying safe when a tornado is approaching.
Tip 1: Know the sirens
Tornado sirens are activated with a signal from the National Weather Service, which indicates a tornado has been spotted or is strongly indicated on a Doppler radar. Sirens go off in specific cities or towns that will be affected, not throughout the entire county when there is a threat of bad weather.
Something to note is that Alabama and Georgia test their sirens on the first Wednesday of each month, whereas Mississippi test their sirens on the first Tuesday of each month.
What’s the difference between a tornado watch and a warning?
• A tornado watch means there is potential for a tornado and to be aware.
• A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted and you should head to your safe place.
Tip 2: Be prepared
Even if a tornado is not near your location, it’s still a good idea to be prepared if one pops up.
• Have fresh batteries for a radio, flashlights, etc.
• Make sure your portable chargers are charged just in case the power goes out.
• Have your emergency safety kit ready to go. Having an emergency safety kit on hand will save you time for when a tornado is in your area.
It’s a good idea to talk with your children about tornado safety. Make sure they know what county they are in, where to locate a safe place, and the difference between a watch and a warning.
Tip 3: Know where to shelter
There is nowhere that is completely safe during a tornado, however, some places are much safer than others.
• Seek shelter in a basement or an inside room with no windows, on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, center hallway).
• If you live in a mobile home, go to a nearby building. Do not stay in a mobile home during a tornado.
Even if your mobile home has a tie-down system, it cannot withstand the force of a tornado. If there is no nearby building, find the nearest ditch, ravine or culvert to lie flat in.
Keep the local weather channel on to know exactly where the path of the tornado is going. Even if the tornado is not in your area, you should still prepare your home and your family for the possibility. Listen for the sirens, prep your safe place, and get ready to hunker down when it’s time.