Disaster Safety Review 2013 Vol. 1 | Page 8

WHAT TO DO DURING A TORNADO SIDE: R IF YOU AR) E OUT (NO SHELTE • Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms. • Immediately go to the closest sturdy shelter. However, never try to outrun a tornado. Instead, leave your vehicle immediately for safe shelter. • If your vehicle is hit by flying debris while you are driving, pull over and park. Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt fastened. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat or other cushion if possible. • If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands. • Do not stay under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. IF YOU ARE INSID E: • Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level in the building. • If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room (closet, interior hallway) on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. • Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. • In a highrise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. • Do not open windows. • Avoid downed power lines. • Approach intersections with caution. Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs both during and after a storm. WHAT TO DO DURING A HAILSTORM • Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms. • Do not drive unless absolutely necessary. • If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don’t try to outrun it. • Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle. • If at all possible, pull into a sturdy garage, parking garage, or under a shelter to minimize hail damage. • Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside. • Avoid downed power lines. • Approach intersections with caution. Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs both during and after a storm. • After the storm, thoroughly evaluate your vehicle for damage. • If you find glass damage, carefully remove any glass from the interior of your vehicle, and cover the damaged area to prevent further water damage to the interior.