March is the beginning of tornado season in the southeastern United States. But tornadoes (a powerful, rotating column of air that touches the ground) also happen in many other states throughout the summer and fall. Tornadoes can be scary and damage buildings; however, there are things you can do to stay safe.
First, you can understand your area’s risk of a tornado. Maybe you live in an area that does not have a lot of tornadoes. Or maybe you live in Tornado Alley, an area that gets over 500 tornadoes a year!
Second, your family can sign up for weather alerts and understand what they mean. For example, the National Weather Service tracks conditions and issues alerts, including tornado watches and tornado warnings. What’s the difference?
A tornado watch means it is possible for a tornado to form, and people should be prepared. What should you do if there is a tornado watch?
- Review your emergency plans.
- Check your emergency supplies and safe room.
- Be ready to act quickly if the tornado watch changes to a tornado warning.
A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or that the weather radar (radio waves that bounce off raindrops or snowflakes) shows a tornado has formed. There is an immediate (happening right away) risk of danger. What should you do if there is a tornado warning?
- Move to an interior room (a small room with no windows) on the lowest floor of a building.
- Stay away from windows.
- If you are in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outside, move to the closest available shelter and protect yourself from flying objects.
Third, you can prepare for a weather emergency in advance. Know how your family will communicate during a weather emergency. Work with your family to identify a room or safe place to go for shelter. Practice how you will respond if a tornado watch or warning is issued. Make an emergency supply kit that contains items such as a flashlight, batteries, water, food that will not spoil, a weather radio, and first aid supplies.
What Can You Do? How can your family sign up for weather alerts?
Photo Credit: (t)National Weather Service/NOAA, (b)Ryan McGinnis/Moment/Getty Images
