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Tornado Preparedness

What is a tornado?

A tornado is a column of violently rotating winds extending down from a thunderstorm could and touching the surface of the earth. A tornado spins like a top and may sound like an airplane or train.

What is the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning?

A tornado watch means that the weather conditions are right for tornadoes to develop. However, a watch does not necessarily mean a tornado will develop. A tornado watch gives you time to plan and prepare should one occur. A tornado warning means that one has been sighted. Seek shelter immediately and listen to the radio or television for additional information.

Where should I seek shelter?

  • At home a basement offers the greatest safety. Seek shelter under sturdy furniture if possible. In a home without a basement, take cover in the center of the house on the lowest floor in a small room such as a closet or bathroom, and stay away from windows due to the possibility of shattered glass.
  • In a manufactured home leave and go to a substantial structure before the storm arrives. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert with your hands shielding your head.
  • At school or work follow plans to move to interior hallways or small rooms on the lowest floor. Avoid areas with glass and wide free-span roofs.
  • In vehicles do not try to out-drive a tornado. Get out of the vehicle immediately and take shelter. If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Use arms to protect your head and neck.

WARNING SIREN TESTS

Sirens are tested on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

TORNADO WATCH

A Tornado Watch means the weather conditions are ideal for a tornado to develop. No siren warning will be sounded, so tune in to your radio or television for the latest in weather information. Be prepared to take shelter. Locally, WKRS AM 1220 and WXLC FM 102.3 provide emergency weather information.

TORNADO WARNING

A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted in our general area. The warning sirens will be sounded and you should SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT IGNORE THE WARNING SIRENS.

ALL CLEAR SIGNAL

When the National Weather Bureau declares an all-clear, it will be announced over the radio and television. No signal will be sounded. It is very important that you have a battery-powered radio and flashlight in case of a power failure.