 Before the Storm
A little planning can prevent unnecessary panic and confusion if a strong storm or tornado strikes.
Put together an emergency storm kit including a radio, flashlight, batteries and simple first aid items in a waterproof container.
Conduct drills with your family in the home; make sure each member knows the correct procedures if they are at work or school when a tornado hits.
During a windstorm, falling trees and tree limbs can cause significant damage to structures. Identifying and removing weakened trees, as well as removing dead limbs will reduce the likelihood of damage.
The majority of the structural damage caused in a severe thunderstorm occurs during a hailstorm. Move cars inside a garage or carport, if possible, to avoid hail damage. Move lawn furniture and yard equipment, such as lawnmowers, inside if time permits, otherwise they could become damaged or act as dangerous projectiles, causing serious injury.
Strong Winds and Tornadoes
Wind is considered severe when it reaches about 60 miles per hour. Some very severe windstorms can achieve a velocity of 100 miles per hour. A form of wind that causes damages like a tornado is called a “downburst.” It is created by air blasting out of a thunderstorm to the ground beneath the storm cell. A tornado is a violent rotating column of air. It originates in a severe thunderstorm as a funnel and dips to the ground. Once on the ground, it is a tornado and a highly dangerous storm.
Heed the warning signals and take shelter immediately. The safest place to be during a tornado is in a basement or cellar, if one is not available, a small room in the middle of house, like a bathroom or a closet, is best.
If you are in a vehicle and a tornado is approaching, leave the vehicle. Seek a safe structure or lie down in a low area with your hands covering the back of your head and neck. Keep alert for flash floods that often accompany such storms.
Flooding
Flash flooding sometimes follows a thunderstorm. This peril is the leading cause of death during severe thunderstorms. The fatalities occur, not in structures, but usually in vehicles and after dark. Drivers underestimate the depth of water, the energy of its velocity, and how easily a vehicle can begin floating in only about 24” of water. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground
After the Storm
Check people around you for injuries. Begin first aid or seek help if necessary. Always cooperate with local officials.
A fallen tree on a structure is a very serious safety issue. A tree may shift suddenly and cause injury or further damage to the structure. A fallen tree may also mask other safety issues, such as downed electrical wires. The wires may still be live and the tree itself energized. Leave the area and contact 911 immediately. Do not go near or step over electrical wires.
If you smell gas, open the windows and turn off the main valve. Do not turn on lights or appliances until the gas has dissipated. If electric wires are shorting out, turn off the power.
Take steps to protect your home and furniture from further damage. Close any openings in the structure made by the storm. Keep a roll of plastic sheeting that can be quickly cut to size and nailed over the opening or broken window. Keep your personal safety in mind and attempt such closures yourself, only if it can be done with little or no risk. Clean and dry your furniture, bedding, rugs and carpeting as soon as possible. |