What to do to prepare for a tornado

  • Published
  • By 17th Civil Engineer Squadron
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Tornado season is approaching and the potential exists that San Angelo may see one; here are a few tips to help individuals protect themselves.

Tornado watch

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 local news reports and weather updates.
- Review family or business emergency preparedness plan.
- Review 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 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 the area. This means shelter should be taken immediately in a safe sturdy structure.

Things to do when a tornado warning is issued:
- Take shelter immediately.
- Listen to local radio for updates.
- Follow the national weather service guidelines.

What not to do during a tornado:
- Do not stay in a mobile home as they provide little to no protection from tornados.
- Do not open windows at home or business.
- Do not try to out run a tornado in a vehicle.
- Do not get under a highway overpass or a bridge, it exposes people to stronger winds.

National Weather Service safety guidelines:

- If in a building, go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or the buildings lowest level. If there is no basement, take shelter at 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 in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and go to a nearby sturdy building or storm shelter and seek shelter on the lowest floor.

- If outside without nearby shelter, lie down in a ditch, ravine, or depression and cover head with hands.

Remember, it pays to be prepared for emergencies before they happen.