Story Published:
Jul 18, 2007 at 11:23 AM EST
Story Updated:
Jul 18, 2007 at 11:56 AM EST
A Tornado Watch means that weather conditions will support the formation of a tornado and a tornado may occur in the area. Keep an eye on the sky, tune to KSEE 24 for updates, and be prepared to take shelter.
A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has actually been sighted or has been indicated by radar and may strike your vicinity. Take IMMEDIATE action to protect yourself from being blown away, struck by falling objects, or injured by flying debris, as detailed below.
In The Home: Get away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Go to the basement, get under something sturdy, and cover your head. Avoid being directly under heavy appliances on the level above. If you do not have a basement, go to the smallest room on the lowest floor. A closet or bathroom is a good choice. Cover your head with pillows and blankets. Do not waste time opening windows.
In Schools: Go to the basement if available. Otherwise, go to an interior hallway or small room and cover your head. Stay out of large rooms such as cafeterias, auditoriums, or gymnasiums. Avoid windows.
In Mobile Homes: Abandon your mobile home in for a sturdier shelter. Most tornado deaths in structures occur in mobile homes.
In Your Car: DO NOT attempt to outrun a tornado. Abandon your vehicle for a sturdy shelter. If none is available, get out of your vehicle and lie flat in a ditch. Do not take refuge under a bridge or overpass.
Outdoors: Try to find a sturdy shelter. If none is available, then lie flat in a ditch and cover your head. Avoid trees, metal poles, and areas near power lines.
In Public Buildings: Go immediately to a designated storm shelter or interior hall. Stay away from windows or areas with large span roofs. Do not go to your parked vehicle.
Tornado Kit
Store the following items in the area where you will take shelter in your home:
Drinking water in airtight containers Canned or freeze-dried foods First aid supplies and medications Battery powered radio Flashlights and candles
Tornado Facts
Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air extending from a parent thunderstorm and touching the ground. If it does not touch the ground it is called a funnel cloud. Tornadoes occur in a wide variety of sizes and strengths, and get their threatening grey color from the dirt and debris they lift off the ground. Typical ground speeds are 25 - 50mph, but some killer tornadoes have been clocked at 70mph. Wind speeds range from less than 100mph to more than 300mph. Three of the worst tornado outbreaks in U.S. history have affected Indiana.
