Tornado Awareness Safety Tips

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GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A Tornado Watch is issued to alert people to the possibility of a tornado developing in your area. At this point, a tornado has not been seen but the conditions are very favorable for tornados to occur at any moment.

Things to do when a Tornado Watch is issued:

· Keep alert and watch for changing weather conditions

· Listen to your local news reports & weather updates

· Review your family or business emergency preparedness plan

· Review your disaster kit

· Be ready to seek shelter at a moment's notice

What to Watch for during a Tornado Watch:

· Dark greenish or orange-gray skies

· Large hail

· Large, dark, low-lying, rotating or funnel-shaped clouds

· A loud roar that is similar to a freight train

Tornado Warning
A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has actually been sighted or has been picked up on radar in your area. This means that you need to take shelter immediately in a safe sturdy structure.

Things to do when a Tornado Warning is issued:

· Take shelter immediately

· Listen to your local radio for updates

· Follow the National Weather Service Safety Guidelines (below)

What not to do during a tornado:

· Do not stay in a Mobile home as they offer very little protection from tornadoes.

· Do not open the windows in your home or business

· Do not try to outrun a tornado in a car

· Do not get under a highway overpass or bridge as you will be exposing yourself to flying debris and stronger winds.

National Weather Service Safety Guidelines

· If you are in a building:
Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the buildings lowest level. If you don't have a basement, take shelter in the center of an interior room on the lowest level, such as a bathroom, closet or interior hallway that is away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.

· If you are in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home:
Get out immediately and go to a nearby sturdy building or storm shelter and seek shelter on its lowest floor.

· If you are outside without nearby shelter:
Lie down in a ditch, ravine, or depression nearby and cover your head with your hands.

For more information on tornado preparedness, please follow thislink.