“Heed the signs, find a shelter”
Keeping Safe in the Tornado's Whirl.
A tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. Because wind is invisible, it is hard to see a tornado unless it forms a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, dust, and debris. Tornadoes can be among the most violent phenomena of all atmospheric storms we experience.
Tornadoes are violent, rotating columns of air extending from thunderstorms to the ground, creating highly destructive paths. These weather phenomena are characterized by swirling winds that can reach speeds over 300 miles per hour, causing widespread devastation in their wake. Tornadoes often appear as funnels or dark, rotating clouds descending from the sky.
Emergency Preparedness Tips for Tornadoes:
Warning Signs: Tornadoes may be preceded by specific weather conditions like dark, greenish skies, large hail, or a loud, continuous roar similar to a freight train. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable, while a tornado warning indicates an imminent threat.
Safety Measures:
- Create an emergency plan with the older adults in your care.
- Identify a safe area in the home, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
- Reinforce the room for protection with heavy furniture or mattresses.
Emergency Kit: Prepare a well-stocked emergency kit containing essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents in a waterproof container.
Communication Plan: Establish a communication plan with family members or caregivers to stay connected during emergencies. Ensure that everyone knows how to reach each other.
Emergency Alerts: Stay informed about weather updates and emergency alerts through local news, weather radios, or mobile weather apps.
Practice Drills: Conduct regular tornado drills with older adults to familiarize them with the process and ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
Community Resources: Identify nearby emergency shelters or community resources available in case evacuation becomes necessary.