During a tornado warning, take cover in a safe place and bring a radio to listen for the all-clear signal. Prepare ahead of time by having a tornado plan and practicing it. Stay indoors in the center of a building or lie down in a shallow area if shelter is not available. Be aware of additional risks such as severe thunderstorms and flying debris. Pay attention to changes in the sky if a tornado watch is issued.
When a tornado warning is issued, it means that a government agency believes there is a serious risk of tornadoes, due to weather conditions, or that tornadoes have been identified in the area. The most important thing to do during a tornado warning is to take cover in a safe place and bring a radio with you to listen for the all-clear signal, which will indicate that the warning has been lifted. However, it helps to prepare ahead of time for tornado warnings, especially in areas of the world where this type of weather is common.
The best place to take shelter during a tornado is in a basement or cellar. If such a space isn’t available, staying indoors in the center of a building is a good solution. People in cars, trailers, tents and other unstable structures should get out and find a solid building in which to shelter. If indoor shelter is not available, it is best to lie down in a shallow area such as a ditch, being careful of flooding. Shelter under bridges and overpasses may be popular in movies, but it can be dangerous in real life, as these structures can collapse and the falling debris can strike people trying to take cover.
At home, it’s a good idea to have a tornado plan and practice it at least once a year so that people and pets can reach a shelter within minutes if needed. The safe space designated for shelter should be stocked with food, water, blankets, batteries, flashlights, and entertainment. It’s also a good idea to remind people that flying debris is a big risk in a tornado and that protective coverings such as blankets, tarps or heavy jackets should be used to cushion the body as it approaches a shelter when a warning is issued. tornado.
Tornadoes can also be accompanied by severe thunderstorms, which carry some additional risks. Severe weather can cause power outages or block roads, which can become a problem if someone is injured, and such storms can also cause flooding or fires. During a tornado warning, people should be aware of these dangers and that the risk of thunderstorms may persist after a tornado warning has been canceled or revoked.
A weather agency may also issue a tornado watch, meaning conditions are ripe for tornadoes to form, so people should be careful. Weather agencies are not infallible, and a tornado can occur while watching a tornado without any warning. If a watch is issued, people should pay attention to changes in sky color, swirling clouds, or landscape disturbances such as dust clouds that may indicate the presence of a tornado.
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