Tornado Safety

General

1. Preplan your refuge -- this action is the key to your safety!

2. If a cloudy sky becomes stormy or rough in appearance:
   • Tune in to local radio or area television broadcasts for possible advisories from the National Weather Service.

   • Remain alert for a worsening sky and the approach of storms.

3. Individuals should observe the sky and listen for further advisories.

4. A TORNADO WATCH indicates that conditions are right for spawning tornadoes. If a TORNADO WATCH is issued, designate an observer to monitor the weather conditions.

5. Be sure that you and any group that you may be supervising will be able to reach one of the following areas in seconds:
   • BASEMENT area with no windows, especially a CIVIL DEFENSE designated shelter.

   • BOTTOM FLOOR HALLWAY.

   • INTERIOR HALLWAY or SMALL INTERIOR ROOM with no windows.

6. DO NOT seek refuge in the following areas: Gymnasiums, auditoriums, dining halls, workshops, laboratories, classrooms, exterior rooms with windows, elevators, stairwells, non-masonry buildings, barns, utility areas, mobile units and mobile vehicles.

7. DO NOT SEEK REFUGE OUTSIDE. However, if there is no other choice plan to lie flat in a ditch or culvert!

8. A TORNADO WARNING announces that a tornado has been sighted in the area. When a TORNADO WARNING is broadcast, go immediately to your refuge!

9. GO! Take cover before it strikes!
   • Upon observing dark rolling clouds, unusual lightning, hail, driving rain, sudden increase in wind, or possibly a funnel cloud, GO IMMEDIATELY TO YOUR REFUGE!

   • Upon hearing a buzzing or roaring sound, RUN TO YOUR REFUGE! Stay off elevators! Do not use stairwells when the storm is striking!

   • When inside your refuge, sit on the floor. DO NOT SMOKE. If a tornado strikes, duck your head between your knees and cover the back of your head with your hands for protection.

10. Leave your refuge with caution. Multiple tornadoes can occur in one storm.