1 Take precautions
2Listen for warning
3Get to safety
236
NATURAL DISASTERS
Tornado
For SEVERE STORM see p. 226 For HURRICANE see p. 234 Tornadoes, tall columns of spinning air moving at high speeds, can cause immense damage. Tornadoes usually occur in warm, humid, unsettled weather, but they can develop anywhere at any time, particularly after a thunderstorm or hurricane. If you live in a tornado area, make sure that you are familiar with the early warning system: a“ tornado watch” indicates that a tornado is possible; and a“ tornado warning” that a tornado has been seen and could be heading in your direction. Depending on the severity and path of the tornado, either stay under shelter or evacuate your home.
PREPARING FOR A TORNADO
1 Take precautions
• Keep alert for a“ tornado watch” and listen to local radio stations for updates.
• Close hurricane shutters or board your windows( p. 234) to protect yourself from flying glass( but see point 2 below).
• Choose a safe part of your house where family members can gather if a tornado is on the way( p. 234, Take precautions).
• Fill clean baths, sinks, containers, and plastic bottles with water to ensure an uncontaminated supply.
• Fill your vehicle’ s tank with fuel.
2Listen for warning
• If a“ tornado watch” turns into a“ tornado warning,” be prepared
to evacuate your home. If you are in a car, van, or mobile home, get out( see Stay safe, p. 237).
• If warnings predict that your home will be in the tornado’ s direct path,
open doors, shutters, and windows on the side away from the storm to prevent a buildup of air pressure.
3Get to safety
• If you are told to evacuate, follow the instructions carefully.
• Act promptly, but calmly. You may have only a short time to get to
the nearest hurricane shelter.
SIGNS AND WARNINGS
• Certain changes in weather conditions, such as blowing debris or a sudden wind drop and
unusually still air, may herald a tornado.
• In some circumstances, a low rumbling noise, the sound of an approaching tornado,
may be audible.
• Tornadoes can be seen approaching, often from a great distance, moving at speeds of
up to 30 – 40 mph( 50 – 60 km / h).
• A tall funnel shape of whirling air and
dust will descend from underneath a storm cloud.
Violent tornado The characteristic twisting funnel of air and dust indicates an approaching tornado.