Tornado watches vs. warnings

When the National Weather Service or local media announce a tornado watch, it means that they think a tornado might develop because of weather conditions. When you are notified of a tornado watch, be prepared to take cover in storm cellars, basements or windowless rooms in the center of a building.

Once a tornado has actually been sighted, a tornado warning will be issued. This means you should seek shelter immediately.

If you are walking outside as a tornado begins to strike, get inside at once. If you don’t have time to get inside, seek shelter in the nearest ditch or low-lying area, or crouch near a strong building. The same rules apply if you are driving. Get out of your car immediately and seek shelter. Never try to out-drive a tornado.

Also, don’t stop to take pictures of the tornado. Let weather experts handle that…they have the advantage of minute-by-minute updates from state-of-the art equipment to alert them of impending danger. You don’t.

After the storm

Once the worst is past, you may need basic supplies to help yourself and possibly others. Put together a good disaster survival kit now.

Your disaster survival kit should contain:

• a flashlight
• a first aid kit with vital medicines
• shoes with puncture resistant soles
• extra cash in case your bank account isn’t accessible
• enough food and water to last three days
• a radio that runs on batteries, plus plenty of fresh batteries to get the latest emergency information, such as where to seek medical care or find temporary shelter. Also use it to learn what your state, local and federal governments are doing to help you and your community recover.

It is extremely important to stay out of damaged buildings. Buildings weakened by a tornado can be very dangerous. Return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.