Severe Weather Safety

Spring time is around the corner and so is severe weather season, especially for us living in the Midwest.
Tornadoes can be scary the first time you hear the sirens going off and the sky turns green and then the winds whip up. With awareness and preparedness you should be in good shape.

What is the difference between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning?

TORNADO WATCH means:
Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! 

TORNADO WARNING means:

A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately underground to a basement, storm cellar or an interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom). 

*During any storm, listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about watches and warnings.

*Know your community’s warning system. Communities have different ways of warning residents about tornados, with   many having sirens intended for outdoor warning purposes.

* Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes or other severe winds.
*Do not seek shelter in a hallwayor close to windows.

* Pick a safe room in your home where household members and pets may gather during a tornado. This should be a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.

* Practice periodic tornado drills so that everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching.

*If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out of the building quickly and call the   gas company or fire department.

* Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
* Keep all of your animals under your direct control.
* Clean up spilled medications, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids that could become a fire hazard.
* Check for injuries. If you are trained, provide first aid to persons in need until emergency responders arrive.

*Consider having your safe room reinforced. Plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection can be found on the FEMA Web site at http://www.fema.gov/ plan/prevent/rms/rmsp453.shtm.

* Watch for tornado danger signs:

*Dark, often greenish clouds—a phenomenon caused by hail

* Wall cloud—an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm

• Cloud of debris
  
• Large hail
  
• Funnel cloud—a visible rotating