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Natural Disasters/Tornado

< Natural Disasters
The latest reviewed version was checked on 14 December 2021. There are 2 pending changes awaiting review.
A tornado.

Preparation

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  • If you are able, build a storm shelter inside your dwelling, or identify a suitable sturdy space in the innermost lowermost portion of the structure.[1]
  • Stock your shelter with the usual emergency supplies,[2] plus the following:
    • Some suggest that wearing a helmet during a tornado may prevent head injury.[3]
    • Keep closed toe shoes in your shelter.[2] When the tornado is over, you may have to enter a debris filled landscape. Emergency services will be stressed following an event, so it's important that you don't injure yourself by stepping on a stray nail or glass shard.
    • A thick fabric sheet to cover your body and eyes.
    • Safety Goggles

During

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Watch vs. Warning

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During a Tornado Watch a tornado is possible but not yet confirmed - This is a good time to make preperations.[4] A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been confirmed - Seek shelter immediately.[4]

Finding Shelter

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When a Tornado warning is in effect, seek the nearest shelter possible and stay there until the danger has passed. Avoid windows, vehicles, and

Common Mistakes

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  • Never open windows, as this just wastes time.[5]
  • Never seek shelter in an underpass, because wind patterns increase the danger.[6]
  • Don't panic.

After

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Damage following a tornado may be significant, impacting utilities, basic infrastructure, and straining emergency services.

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  •  
    This truck has been wrapped around a pole by a tornado. Do not seek shelter in vehicles.
  •  
    Even heavy vehicles like this school bus are easily tossed around by tornados.
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    Interior rooms on the lowest floor offer the greatest chance of surviving a tornado.
  •  
    Waterspouts are serious hazards for boats.
  •  
    Tornados are a hazard in the shaded regions.

References

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  1. ↑ . https://community.fema.gov/ProtectiveActions/s/article/Tornado. 
  2. ↑ a b US Department of Commerce, NOAA. "Emergency Supplies Kit" (in EN-US). www.weather.gov. https://www.weather.gov/owlie/emergencysupplieskit. 
  3. ↑ "UAB researchers say add a helmet to your tornado-preparation kit". UAB News. https://www.uab.edu/news/research/item/1960-uab-researchers-say-add-a-helmet-to-your-tornado-preparation-kit. 
  4. ↑ a b US Department of Commerce, NOAA. "Understand Tornado Alerts" (in EN-US). www.weather.gov. https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-ww. 
  5. ↑ "Tornado safety: NOAA busts common severe weather myths" (in en). al. 5 April 2017. https://www.al.com/news/2017/04/tornado_safety_should_you_open.html. 
  6. ↑ "Tornado Damage, Safety, and Myths | METEO 3: Introductory Meteorology". www.e-education.psu.edu. https://www.e-education.psu.edu/meteo3/l9_p8.html. 
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