While weather and news broadcasts will warn of conditions in which a tornado may form, these monster storms sometimes appear suddenly with little or no warning. Forecasters are generally good at identifying the weather conditions that might produce a tornado. The National Weather Service, a division of NOAA, will issue a tornado watch when the data they are observing indicates these atmospheric conditions exist. When a watch is issued, you need to be ready to take shelter if the storm moves into your area.

If the storm conditions grow worse, a tornado warning will be issued. This means a tornado or funnel cloud has been spotted. Listen to the weather warnings and follow emergency broadcast instructions. Quickly find a safe place that is indoors and away from glass windows and doors. Plan ahead and identify a tornado shelter such as a basement or nearby sturdy building that can offer protection from the violent winds.

Many years ago people believed they should open a window in their home if a tornado were approaching, thinking that a house could otherwise explode due to pressure differences caused by the tornado winds. Science has shown that this belief is not true. Keep your windows closed to minimize damage to the interior of the house. Most damage to homes, both inside and out, is the result of flying debris. In addition, it is best to be dressed in sturdy shoes and outdoor clothing. If a tornado strikes your area, rugged clothes will protect you more during and after the storm.

 

If you’re in a car when a tornado approaches, get out and find other safe cover. Tornadoes can toss cars, so they are not a safe place to stay. Find shelter in a sturdy building. Don’t try to outrun a nearby tornado. Its direction and speed can change in an instant. It is also unsafe to remain in a mobile home or trailer. Unlike more massive and sturdier buildings, mobile homes and trailers are more apt to be tossed or torn apart by the tornado’s high winds. Seek shelter elsewhere.

 

Even very large buildings, such as shopping malls, auditoriums, and cafeterias, do not make good shelters. Their wide-span roofs are more likely to sustain damage from high winds than the roofs of smaller buildings.

 

After the tornado, beware of hazards such as downed electrical lines or ruptured gas lines. If you spot a problem, stay away, and report the damage to the authorities. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing to protect yourself from scratches and cuts from debris. Watch out for shattered glass that might litter the landscape. Don’t enter structurally damaged buildings until they are inspected and declared safe.

 

Tornado Preparedness Kit To be ready for a tornado event, you can assemble a tornado safety kit that includes these essential items:
Flashlight Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio Extra batteries for flashlight and radio Cell phone First-aid kit and prescription drugs	Bottled water, canned food, high-energy snacks Manual can opener Sturdy shoes Outdoor clothing Blankets

Once the storm passes be prepared to help with cleanup, but stay out of the way of emergency responders. They will need to coordinate help for many affected people and make decisions about how to best deal with the many tasks of recovery and aid to victims. Recovery from a storm may involve many personnel and volunteers from local, state, and federal organizations and agencies. Staying informed of the assistance available through these organizations and offices can help speed the recovery of a community.