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Tornado Safety

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Terms to know:

Tornado Watch:

A Tornado Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY WILL OCCUR. It only means they ARE POSSIBLE.
Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:

1) Winds of 58 mph or higher

AND/OR

2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.

Tornado Warning:

A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is imminent. When a tornado warning is issued, SEEK SAFE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.

BEFORE A TORNADO:

  • Establish a family communications plan and prepare an Emergency Kit.
  • Determine possible shelter options in the event that a tornado warning occurs.
  • Have multiple ways to receive warnings and weather alerts. Crisp County Emergency Management uses sirens, CodeRED, local news media, and social media to alert residents of any significant weather events.
  • Secure loose items around your home that could potentially become airborne.

WHEN A TORNADO WARNING IS ISSUED:

  • If you are inside, put on sturdy shoes and go to a safe place and protect yourself from glass and other flying objects.
  • If you are outside, hurry to a safe place in a nearby sturdy building.If you are in a car and you see large objects flying past while you are driving, pull over and park. You now have two choices:
    • Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket if possible.
    • If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, in a deep ditch for instance, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands.
  • If you live in an apartment that is on an upper floor, get to the lowest level of the building

AFTER A TORNADO

  • Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.
  • Remain out of damaged buildings and stay clear of downed power lines. Report downed lines to your local power company.
  • If you are trained, help injured or trapped people. Check on others who may require special assistance, such as the elderly, children and people with disabilities.

Source:http://ready.ga.gov/be-informed/tornadoes/

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