KEEP WEATHER IN MIND WITH GROUP ACTIVITIES
Planning a meeting or a party? If so, it's a good
idea to have an emergency plan ready in times of
uncertain weather. Especially if severe thunderstorms are in the
forecast or conditions are right for tornadoes.
When a group is meeting inside a building, posting
lookouts with weather radios at hand would be a very good
idea.
If a lookout spots dark rolling clouds, unusual
lightning, hail or a funnel cloud, then you can put your
emergency plan into action.
Be sure that your group will be able to reach a
refuge such as a basement area with no windows, a bottom-floor
hallway or an interior hallway or small interior
room with no windows. A Civil Defense-designated shelter
would be a good choice.
Avoid gymnasiums, auditoriums, dining halls,
workshops, laboratories, classrooms, exterior rooms with
windows, elevators, stairwells, non-masonry buildings,
barns, utility areas, mobile units and mobile vehicles.
Don't seek refuge outside. However, if you are
caught outside in a storm and there is no other choice,
lie flat in a ditch or culvert.
Weather radio are inexpensive, many less than $20, and will pick
up the National Weather Service weather advisories
anywhere in the country. If a tornado watch is issued,
the radio emits an alarm that signals the radio should be
turned on. Electronics stores such as Radio Shack sell
weather radios.
A tornado WATCH indicates that weather conditions are right for a
tornado to develop. A tornado WARNING announces that a
tornado has been spotted in the area.
When a tornado warning is broadcast for your area
or if you observe dark rolling clouds, unusual lightning,
hail or a funnel cloud, go immediately to your refuge.
If you hear a buzzing or roaring sound, run to
your refuge.
Don't use elevators or stairwells when a storm is
approaching. While inside your refuge, sit on the floor
and don't smoke.
If a tornado strikes, duck your head between your
knees and cover the back of your head with your hands for
protection. Since multiple tornadoes can occur in one
storm, be cautious when leaving your refuge.
Dale Linvill, Clemson Extension Service Agricultural Meteorologist
