National Preparedness Month 2014: PREPARING FOR TORNADOES Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms and can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard. Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado. Use these tips to help stay ahead of the game and prepared: - To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. - Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials. - Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms. - Look for the following danger signs: - Dark, often greenish sky - Large hail - A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating) - Loud roar, similar to a freight train. - If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately. Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for a tornado and learn about available resources by visiting the following agencies: - FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency - American Red Cross - NOAA Watch The more you plan today, the better prepared you will be tomorrow. Remember: National Defense and readiness begins with YOU. Plan Now. Work Together. Be Ready.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:26:14 +0000
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