... Tornado Watch safety rules...
A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for the
development of tornadoes in the designated area. During a watch there
is no cause for immediate concern. You should go about your normal
business... but be on the lookout and keep up to date on the latest
weather developments. Public safety officials should activate
prearranged plans.
A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated
by radar. Move quickly to save yourself and your family. If you have
a rehearsed plan of action... you should follow it. The National
Weather Service advises the following safety rules:
In a home... one of the best shelters is in the basement... under heavy
furniture and where overhead support and protection are the greatest.
If there is no basement... go to the center of the house on the lowest
floor. Get into a small room... such as a closet or bathroom... or an
interior hallway under heavy furniture. Some have found that an empty
bathtub with a mattress or blanket for cover makes a good emergency
Refuge.
In a school... office building or other type of institutional
building... follow your rehearsed plan of action. Go quickly to a
basement if available. If none is available... go to a Central Hall or
corridor on the lowest floor. Keep away from outside walls... doors
and windows. Stay out of auditoriums and gymnasiums.
If in open country or in a car... and you can not avoid the path of
the storm... get into a ditch... depression or culvert. Lie flat and
make as small a target as possible. If you can... wrap a covering
around yourself. Even small ground debris can cause serious injury
when driven by tornado strength winds.
In a Mobile home... whether it is tied down or not... abandon it and go
to a community shelter... neighbors house... or get into a ditch.
Your National Weather Service advises you to memorize these basic
safety rules. Your life may depend on you knowing them.
