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Tornado
Prepare a Home
Tornado Plan
- Pick a place where family members could
gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement
or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet
on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
- If you are in a high-rise building, you
may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in
a hallway in the center of the building.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
Containing--
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per
person.
- Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping
bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and
extra batteries.
- Special items for infant, elderly, or
disabled family members.
- Written instructions on how to turn off
electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so.
(Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service
back on.)
Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings
- Listen to your local radio and TV stations
for updated storm information.
- Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING
means:
- A tornado WATCH means a tornado is
possible in your area.
- A tornado WARNING means a tornado has
been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety
immediately.
- Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by
county or parish.
When a Tornado WATCH Is Issued...
- Listen to local radio and TV stations for
further updates.
- Be alert to changing weather conditions.
Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you.
Many people say it sounds like a freight train.
When a Tornado WARNING Is Issued...
- If you are inside, go to the safe place
you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects.
The tornado may be approaching your area.
- If you are outside, hurry to the basement
of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying
area.
- If you are in a car or mobile home, get
out immediately and head for safety (as above).
After the Tornado Passes...
- Watch out for fallen power lines and stay
out of the damaged area.
- Listen to the radio for information and
instructions.
- Use a flashlight to inspect your home for
damage.
- Do not use candles at any time.
Your Local Red Cross Chapter Can
Provide Additional Materials in English and Spanish:
- "Safe Living in Your Manufactured
Home" (ARC 4465) gives fire, flood, and tornado safety
information for people who live in manufactured (mobile) homes.
- "Are You Ready for a
Thunderstorm?" (ARC 5009)
- "Are You Ready for a Flood or Flash
Flood?" (ARC 4458)
- "Your Family Disaster Plan" (ARC
4466)
- "Your Family Disaster Supplies
Kit" (ARC 4463)
Materials for Children:
- "Disaster Preparedness Coloring
Book" (ARC 2200, English) for children ages 3-10.
- "Adventures of the Disaster
Dudes" (ARC 5024) video and Presenter's Guide for use by an
adult with children in grades 4-6.
- "After the Tornado" Coloring
Book (ARC 2205, English, or ARC 2205S, Spanish)
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