DOCSLIB.ORG

Tornado Preparedness

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Tornado Preparedness Tornado Preparedness © ADOBE STOCK TORNADO PREPAREDNESS | RECOVERY Rebuilding after a Tornado The United States faced 1,218 tornadoes in 2020, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The monstrous storms claimed 78 lives along their paths and played a role in an estimated $76 billion of insur- ance losses caused by thunder- storms. As you plan for tornado sea- son, make sure your policy is sufficient, and you have a plan for rebuilding if disaster strikes. When a devastating tornado impacts your home or proper- ty, the rebuilding process can be overwhelming. Before you begin the process, officials must deem the structure safe to enter and repairable. They should check for safety issues like electrical hazards, gas line defects and impending water conditions. Once you’re given the green light, here are some factors to consider in your ren- ovation plans. INSURANCE INSPECTION © ADOBE STOCK After experiencing tornado damage, your first step should your property. For instance, if a an insurance provider can crete foam walls to protect with hurricane clips that be to contact your insurance tree falls on a structure, it may reimburse you. against windblown debris to attach to the top trusses or raf- provider. During the conversa- be imperative to remove it preserve a home and its occu- ters to withstand severe pres- tion, schedule an appointment before it collapses in the home. REBUILDING WITH pants. sures. to assess the damage and However, you should have a REINFORCEMENTS The high winds caused by You should also consider determine the cost of the digital representation of the As you rebuild your life and tornadoes can cause a roof to equipping your home with required repairs. extent of the issue, so photo- home after a devastating tor- be lifted off a house, seriously sturdy, windstorm-proof doors While waiting for the meet- graphs are essential. nado, consider upgrading your weakening a structure’s walls, and window-shutter systems ing, make sure to take plenty of It’s also a good idea to get property’s structure for the often causing them to collapse that allow for easy installation pictures before repairing dam- receipts if you hire a company next storm. Some improve- outward. Some home builders and removal of plywood before age that could further harm to remove the obstruction so ments include insulated con- choose to reinforce the roof and after the storm. TORNADO PREPAREDNESS | KNOW THE FACTS © ADOBE STOCK Understand Tornadic Myths While meteorologists and scientists are experts at predicting conditions that can potentially lead to a tornado event, the storms can pop up with little notice. Plan for the unexpected by ensuring prepared to seek shelter when a torna- ate a wind tunnel that pulls in flying in a tornado while driving, the NCDC your safe room is ready to protect you do warning is issued in your area. It’s debris at high speeds. suggests ditching your vehicle and and your loved ones while you wait vital to listen to the experts, as many Rather than risk your life, pay atten- immediately seeking shelter. out an event. Here are some tips from tornado myths regarding preparations tion to the weather in areas you will the American Red Cross to prepare a and the storm’s unexpected develop- be visiting. If severe weather that’s MYTH: TORNADOES ARE sufficient area. ments can be dispelled. capable of developing a tornado is MORE LIKELY TO HIT • Choose an underground structure Here are a few common erroneous possible, create a plan to retreat to a MOBILE HOME PARKS like a basement, shelter or safe room. ideas that many people have about safe structure with an emergency A tornado travels in a ruthless man- • Stock the room with enough food tornadoes, according to the National plan. ner and without judgment. There are and water to last for three days, first- Climate Data Center (NCDC). two reasons mobile home parks aid kits, flashlights, cell phone char- MYTH: YOU CAN OUTRUN appear to be targets of mass destruc- gers and battery back-ups. MYTH: HIDING UNDER AN AN INCOMING TORNADO tion during these severe weather • Keep a charged NOAA weather OVERPASS IS SAFE SHELTER IN A VEHICLE events: radio to analyze storm updates. WHILE OUTDOORS Since tornadoes’ paths are incredi- • There are thousands of parks • Have essential documents you Some consider the heavy-duty con- bly unpredictable, attempting to race located in tornado alley. may need like Social Security cards, crete structure as a haven during a away from one can have lethal results. • Mobile homes offer little to no insurance policies and banking infor- storm, but it’s incredibly dangerous. The spinning storms can travel up to protection against even weak torna- mation. While the overpass offers overhead 70 mph and shift directions erratically does, so damage seems to be more With a safety plan in place, you’ll be protection, its unique design can cre- without any warning. If you’re caught significant. TORNADO PREPAREDNESS | TORNADO BASICS Identifying Types of Tornadoes Understanding the Wedge tornado Waterspouts Cone tornado type of severe weather event that has developed can help you understand the range of damage to expect. Learn more about the five different types of tornadoes that are prevalent in the United States. ROPE TORNADOES The National Oceanic and Multi-vortex tornadoes Rope tornado Atmospheric Administration says these storms often assume a ropy appearance during their final moments. Still, it sometimes maintains a thin, funnel shape throughout its entire life cycle. While it may not appear as intimidating as more sweep- ing supercell storms, these powerful tornadoes gain more destructive tendencies as they narrow and tighten. CONE TORNADOES A cone style is commonly © ADOBE STOCK portrayed in Hollywood and media reports of tornadoes. of their stout stature and bru- MULTI-VORTEX parent tornado, including a lake-effect rain and snow This storm is broader at the tal obliteration abilities. A Under the right conditions, wider perimeter of damage. showers around the Great base than a rope tornado and wedge tornado typically a supercell thunderstorm can If multi-vortex tornadoes Lakes. widens where it meets an appears wider than it does produce multiple twisters at come in the form of two cone A waterspout can develop impending thunderstorm. tall. It typically destroys every- the same time. A multi-vortex or wedge twisters spinning without the circulation caused Cone tornadoes often cause thing in its half-mile or broad- condition means that at least independently, it’s called a by supercell storms but are mass destruction along their er path. two tornadoes are causing satellite tornado. Fortunately, strong enough to overturn paths. According to the National carnage simultaneously but this phenomenon is infre- boats and create rough seas in Weather Service, the 2013 El can sometimes include more quent. water. WEDGE TORNADOES Reno, Oklahoma wedge torna- than a pair. Their destructive statistics This style makes up some of do became the widest record- The additional tornadoes WATERSPOUTS are not included with the the most destructive storms ed tornado in the United are typically rope style funnels A less dangerous form of a other types of tornadoes until in America’s history because States, measuring 2.6 miles. that swirl around the primary tornado is associated with they cause damage on land. TORNADO PREPAREDNESS | AT HOME Prepare your Home’s Exterior While ensuring your family has a safe place to hide during a tornado should be the essential aspect in preparation, protecting your property’s exterior can alleviate the damage posed to the structure. From limiting the objects at risk of becoming flying debris to general maintenance, guard your most significant investment before the severe weather season begins. Even when you take pre- cautions seriously, storm damage can be inevitable. It’s crucial to ensure your home- owner’s insurance policy is in good standing and protects against both minor issues and the risk of a total loss. Touch base with your pro- vider to find out if you require additional coverage or to adjust your plan. Once the financial protection is secured, here are some ideas to reduce serious structural © ADOBE STOCK damage risks. Try to use hook anchors to becoming flying debris that tem is efficient by cleaning hanging branches or dead CLEAN YOUR YARD tie down chairs, tables and causes significant destruction leaves and debris from your trees that may damage your If a tornado warning is storage containers. You can and injury. gutters. structure if strong winds declared in your area, it’s time also move lawn decorations When water pools around cause them to fall or break. to seek shelter, not rush out- and landscaping tools inside CLEAN GUTTERS your home, it may lead to The Insurance Institute for side to secure patio furniture a garage or shed. The supercell thunder- flooded basements, cracked Business and Home Safety or store objects that may While a massive tornado storms associated with devel- foundations and damage to suggests hiring an arborist to become airborne. The best may still cause damage to oping tornadoes are notori- roofs or siding. remove branches that hang way to prepare for the season additional buildings, ensur- ous for dumping heavy rain over your home and identify is by taking proactive mea- ing everything is inside will during the event. Make sure TRIM TREES and remove dead, dying or sures before the storms begin. limit the risks of the contents your home’s water flow-sys- Analyze your home for diseased trees. TORNADO PREPAREDNESS | KNOW THE DANGERS Significant Risks The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that about 1,200 tornadoes occur in the United States each year.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Tornado Preparedness Checklist
    Tornado Preparedness Checklist A tornado is one of nature’s most destructive storms. Unlike a hurricane or tropical storm, a tornado can develop with little warning, sometimes within minutes of the start of a thunderstorm, leaving little time to react. "e wind associated with a tornado can exceed 300 miles per hour, which can cause catastrophic damage. Every area in the United States has the potential of being impacted by a tornado. Tornadoes peak in the southern states from March to May, and from late spring to early summer in the northern states. "e importance of being prepared for a tornado cannot be overstated. "e following checklist can help you to prepare your business for the e#ects of a tornado. 9 BEFORE THE TORNADO Have a plan to provide emergency noti$cations (warning system) to all employees, clients, visitors and customers in the event of a tornado. Assign the responsibility of monitoring external weather conditions to several employees. Be sure to have adequate coverage for all hours of operation, including accommodations for when these individuals will be out of the o%ce. Determine multiple reliable sources (weather websites, weather blogs, etc.) and tools to monitor real-time weather conditions. Locate multiple locations that can be used for shelter by employees during a tornado. Typically, an interior room with concrete or masonry walls is the safest. Most local $re departments will assist companies in the identi$cation of suitable tornado shelters. Post tornado shelter and evacuation maps in common areas throughout your facility. Identify a separate and unique alarm tone/siren/announcement to notify employees and guests to proceed to the designated tornado shelter.
    [Show full text]
  • RTAP Fact Sheet
    Spring 2009 Kansas RTAP Fact Sheet A Service of The University of Kansas Transportation Center for Rural Transit Providers New Preparedness Guide by Kelly Heavey tied down. On the road, a bus driver should have discussed the weather conditions with a supervisor prior to beginning a shift. Open communication should be maintained, especially if the weather worsens. A bus should not accept riders if there is a tornado warning in effect, said Iowa’s State Transportation Director Terry Voy, cited in a North Carolina School Bus Safety’s Web site resource called Tornado Preparedness. If a tornado touches down en route, Voy says the driver should be aware of any possible shelters on the route, such as buildings, caves or any other strong ansas is smack-dab in the conditions outside. Be aware of the structure to protect people. Do not take middle of tornado alley, due to alerts that may occur around you, such shelter under an overpass. Kthe collision of winds from the as sirens or radio broadcasts. If a shelter cannot be found, the arctic North and from the balmy Gulf In the office, designate a shelter in rider should locate a ditch on the side of Mexico. It is prime ground for which to seek cover. The safest place is of the road and instruct riders to take billowing super-cell thunderstorms, in an interior hallway on the lowest cover in it. The bus should be parked which may produce tornadoes. Many possible level, under a staircase, or in a far away from the people to prevent Kansas residents recognize this and designated shelter area.
    [Show full text]
  • Observations and Laboratory Simulations of Tornadoes in Complex Topographical Regions Christopher D
    Iowa State University Capstones, Theses and Graduate Theses and Dissertations Dissertations 2012 Observations and Laboratory Simulations of Tornadoes in Complex Topographical Regions Christopher D. Karstens Iowa State University Follow this and additional works at: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd Part of the Atmospheric Sciences Commons, and the Meteorology Commons Recommended Citation Karstens, Christopher D., "Observations and Laboratory Simulations of Tornadoes in Complex Topographical Regions" (2012). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 12778. https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/12778 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Iowa State University Capstones, Theses and Dissertations at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Observations and laboratory simulations of tornadoes in complex topographical regions by Christopher Daniel Karstens A dissertation submitted to the graduate faculty in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Major: Meteorology Program of Study Committee: William A. Gallus, Jr., Major Professor Partha P. Sarkar Bruce D. Lee Catherine A. Finley Raymond W. Arritt Xiaoqing Wu Iowa State University Ames, Iowa 2012 Copyright © Christopher Daniel Karstens, 2012. All rights reserved. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ..............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Workshop on Weather Ready Nation: Science Imperatives for Severe Thunderstorm Research, Held 24-26 April, 2012 in Birmingham AL
    Workshop on Weather Ready Nation: Science Imperatives for Severe Thunderstorm Research, Held 24-26 April, 2012 in Birmingham AL Sponsored by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Science Foundation Final Report Edited by Michael K. Lindell, Texas A&M University and Harold Brooks, National Severe Storms Laboratory Hazard Reduction & Recovery Center Texas A&M University College station TX 77843-3137 17 September 2012 Executive Summary The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) workshop sponsored a workshop entitled Weather Ready Nation: Science Imperatives for Severe Thunderstorm Research on 24-26 April, 2012 in Birmingham Alabama. Prior to the workshop, teams of authors completed eight white papers, which were read by workshop participants before arriving at the conference venue. The workshop’s 63 participants—representing the disciplines of civil engineering, communication, economics, emergency management, geography, meteorology, psychology, public health, public policy, sociology, and urban planning—participated in three sets of discussion groups. In the first set of discussion groups, participants were assigned to groups by discipline and asked to identify any research issues related to tornado hazard response that had been overlooked by the 2011 Norman Workshop report (UCAR, 2012) or the white papers (see Appendix A). In the second set of discussion groups, participants were distributed among interdisciplinary groups and asked to revisit the questions addressed in the disciplinary groups, identify any interdependencies across disciplines, and recommend criteria for evaluating prospective projects. In the third set of discussion groups, participants returned to their initial disciplinary groups and were asked to identify and describe at least three specific research projects within the research areas defined by their white paper(s) and to assess these research projects in terms of the evaluation criteria identified in the interdisciplinary groups.
    [Show full text]
  • Template for Electronic Journal of Severe Storms Meteorology
    Lyza, A. W., A. W. Clayton, K. R. Knupp, E. Lenning, M. T. Friedlein, R. Castro, and E. S. Bentley, 2017: Analysis of mesovortex characteristics, behavior, and interactions during the second 30 June‒1 July 2014 midwestern derecho event. Electronic J. Severe Storms Meteor., 12 (2), 1–33. Analysis of Mesovortex Characteristics, Behavior, and Interactions during the Second 30 June‒1 July 2014 Midwestern Derecho Event ANTHONY W. LYZA, ADAM W. CLAYTON, AND KEVIN R. KNUPP Department of Atmospheric Science, Severe Weather Institute—Radar and Lightning Laboratories University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama ERIC LENNING, MATTHEW T. FRIEDLEIN, AND RICHARD CASTRO NOAA/National Weather Service, Romeoville, Illinois EVAN S. BENTLEY NOAA/National Weather Service, Portland, Oregon (Submitted 19 February 2017; in final form 25 August 2017) ABSTRACT A pair of intense, derecho-producing quasi-linear convective systems (QLCSs) impacted northern Illinois and northern Indiana during the evening hours of 30 June through the predawn hours of 1 July 2014. The second QLCS trailed the first one by only 250 km and approximately 3 h, yet produced 29 confirmed tornadoes and numerous areas of nontornadic wind damage estimated to be caused by 30‒40 m s‒1 flow. Much of the damage from the second QLCS was associated with a series of 38 mesovortices, with up to 15 mesovortices ongoing simultaneously. Many complex behaviors were documented in the mesovortices, including: a binary (Fujiwhara) interaction, the splitting of a large mesovortex in two followed by prolific tornado production, cyclic mesovortexgenesis in the remains of a large mesovortex, and a satellite interaction of three small mesovortices around a larger parent mesovortex.
    [Show full text]
  • Emergency Preparedness Plan
    Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN Last update: March 2018 2 Table of Contents Introduction 5 a. Crisis Response Support Document 5 ​ Glossary of Terms 7 Emergency Planning Protocol 9 Developing an Emergency Response Plan 11 a. Emergency Contacts 12 b. Emergency Team 14 c. Command Post 15 d. Emergency Kit 16 e. Emergency Binder 17 f. Evacuation Plan 18 g. Lockdown/Hold and Secure/Shelter in Place Plan 19 h. Severe Weather Plan 20 i. Emergency Entrances and Stairwells - Naming Conventions 22 First Aid Planning 23 Emergency Preparedness Training 25 Responsibilities During an Emergency 27 a. Board Office Responsibility 27 b. Principal, Designate or Site Manager Responsibility 28 c. Staff Responsibility 30 d. First Aid Responsibility 31 e. Student Responsibility 32 f. Parent/Guardian Responsibility 33 Communicating During an Emergency 35 a. School or Site-based Communications 35 b. General Guidelines for Responding to an Emergency 36 c. Communications Procedure for School or Site 37 d. Post-Incident Debrief 38 Emergency Situations Evacuation 39 a. On-site Evacuation 39 b. Off-site Evacuation 40 First Aid Emergencies 41 Medical Emergencies 43 a. Asthma 43 b. Allergic Reactions 44 c. Seizures 45 3 d. Diabetes 46 e. Concussion 47 Fire 49 Transportation - Serious Accident/Incident 51 Field Trip Accident/Incident 53 Bomb Threat 55 Chemical/Hazardous Material 63 Facility Emergency 65 Lockdown 67 Hold and Secure 69 Shelter in Place 71 Severe Weather (Tornado) 73 Critical Injury or Death 75 ​ Appendices A. Communications Protocol Crisis and Alert 77 ​ B. Fire Scene Response Guidelines 79 ​ C. Transportation a.
    [Show full text]
  • News Release Ashland Police Department Douglas A
    News Release Ashland Police Department www.ashlandpolice.us Douglas A. Goodman, Chief Date: March 8, 2012 The Ashland Police Department would like to remind our citizens that March 20, 2012 has been proclaimed Tornado Preparedness Day by Governor Bob McDonnell. Recently in the news we have seen the tragedy caused by the outbreak of tornados in the mid west. Closer to home we are reminded about the devastation which was caused by tornados in Virginia in 2011. In an effort to educate the public about the dangers of tornados and the safety precautions we can take should a tornado affect our area, we are forwarding the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Press Release from the Governor’s Office. Please contact the Ashland Police Department at 412-0600 or visit http://www.vaemergency.gov for more information. GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS MARCH 20 AS TORNADO PREPAREDNESS DAY CITIZENS CAN PARTICIPATE IN STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL RICHMOND, Va. – Last year, 51 tornadoes hit Virginia, the second highest number on record. To encourage tornado awareness and safety, Gov. Bob McDonnell has proclaimed March 20 as Tornado Preparedness Day in the commonwealth. “Tragically, many Virginia families and communities were affected by deadly tornadoes last year, and they continue to heal,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “We cannot forget that 10 of our citizens died and more than 100 were injured. So it is critically important that we all know what to do when a tornado warning is issued.” On March 20, businesses and organizations, schools and colleges, and families and individuals are encouraged to practice taking cover from tornadoes by participating in the Statewide Tornado Drill, set for 9:45 a.m.
    [Show full text]
  • LTC Emergency Preparedness Digest February 2019 - GA Newsletter
    LTC Emergency Preparedness Digest February 2019 - GA Newsletter This e-newsletter is designed to provide Long Term Care facilities with information about recent events, conference opportunities, and upcoming classes around Georgia, in addition to emergency preparedness tips and focus areas to consider. We hope you will nd this useful, and we always encourage and welcome feedback to help us improve. LTC Emergency Preparedness - Basic Course We have now completed 14 Long Term Care Emergency Preparedness - Basic courses. We are proud to announce we had a total of 511 attendees representing 195 certi ed nursing homes! Thank you all for your commitment to emergency preparedness. Later in 2019, we will be offering more basic courses as well as a new advanced-level course. We hope you are able to attend! (If you want to be noti. ed when these courses become available - email us at [email protected]) February Focus Areas Focus Area - Severe Weather As we head into Spring, it is important we prepare for all the extreme weather this new season brings. February 4-8, 2019 was Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Georgia. Included below is some of the information Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) provided regarding all of the severe weather threats Georgia may experience. Be Prepared Know your risk Build a kit Make a plan Be informed- get the warning (NOAA Weather Radio + Wireless Emergency Alerts) Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety When thunder roars go indoors! Stay indoors for 30 minutes after you hear the last clap
    [Show full text]
  • Tornado Preparedness
    TORNADO PREPAREDNESS A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground and is often—although not always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lightening and hail are common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and in neighboring areas. Related thunderstorms can cause heavy rains, ash ooding, and hail Where About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year, and every state is at risk. Most tornadoes in the United States occur east of the Rocky Mountains with concentrations in the central and southern plains, the Gulf Coast, and Florida. When Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Before a Tornado • Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a warning or an approaching tornado. • For schools, malls, other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge. • Build an emergency kit (https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit) and make a family communications plan (https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan).
    [Show full text]
  • Guide to Tornado Preparedness
    Are you prepared? City of Chicago Do you have an Office of Emergency Management Emergency Plan? and Communications Guide To Tornado City of Chicago Preparedness Richard M. Daley, Mayor www.alertchicago.com Are you prepared? Tornados can Occur In CHICAGO! Do you have an Emergency Each year, people around the Plan? country are killed or seriously injured by tornados despite advance warning. The following preparedness information, combined with City of Chicago Richard M. Daley, Mayor timely severe weather alerts, could help save lives or prevent injuries. www.alertchicago.com Are you prepared? What is a Tornado? Do you have n A tornado is a violent, rotating column of air extending an from a thunderstorm to the ground with winds in Emergency excess of 250 miles per hour. Plan? n Most tornado damage paths are less than 100 yards wide and a couple of miles long, but can be up to a mile wide and more than 60 miles long. Are you familiar with the terms used City of Chicago Richard M. Daley, Mayor to describe a tornado threat? Ƈ Tornado Watch ² When a Tornado Ƈ Tornado Warning ² When a Tornado Watch is issued by the National Warning is issued by the National Weather Weather Service, tornados are possible Service, it means that a tornado has been in our area. Watch the sky and listen to spotted or indicated by weather radar. You the radio or television for more should take immediate shelter! Turn on a information from Chicago officials. battery-operated radio or television and wait Remain alert for approaching storms for instructions from Chicago officials and and be prepared to take immediate listen for sirens.
    [Show full text]
  • Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week Is April 12-16
    For more information contact: Andrew Beckett Christine Bellport Office: (608) 242-3211 (608) 242-3239 Cell: (608) 572-6073 (608) 733-0322 For Immediate Release April 5, 2021 Wisconsin’s Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 12-16 MADISON, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers has declared April 12-16 Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin, and ReadyWisconsin wants everyone to take time to talk about weather safety with their families. ReadyWisconsin, the National Weather Service (NWS), Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, and Wisconsin Emergency Alert System Committee also encourage everyone in the state to participate in statewide tornado drills on April 15. “Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are a frequent weather threat across the state each year, and it’s important that people know what to do when the skies darken and warnings are issued,” said Dr. Darrell L. Williams, Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator. “During the statewide tornado drill, we ask everyone to practice their plan by going to their emergency shelter location.” Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. During the 2020 season, the NWS confirmed 20 tornadoes touched down in the state. While spring and summer are the most active time of the year for tornadoes, they can happen in any month. To stay safe from severe weather, ReadyWisconsin encourages people to do the following: • Create an emergency plan and practice it. Know where designated shelters are located at home, work, and school, and be ready to go there when a tornado warning is issued. • Have multiple ways to receive alerts about approaching severe weather. Outdoor warning sirens, a NOAA Weather Radio, local media, and smart phone apps are all important tools.
    [Show full text]
  • Tornado Preparedness and Safety
    Disaster Prep Tornado preparedness and safety In this installment of Disaster Prep, we focus on how to minimize Bright blue-green to white flashes at ground level near a damage to commercial and residential structures in the event of thunderstorm (as opposed to silvery lightning up in the a tornado, including actions to take to stay safe during a tornado. clouds). This means power lines are being snapped by very strong winds or a tornado. With wind speeds that can exceed 300 mph, tornadoes can Persistent lowering from the cloud base, illuminated or cause devastating damage and loss of life. The most violent silhouetted by lightning, especially if it is on the ground or tornadoes can level almost any structure. Although there are there is a blue-green-white power flash underneath. more tornadoes in the Midwest, Southeast and South areas of the U.S., they can occur anywhere. There is no such thing as guaranteed safety in the event of a tornado, but there are some We’ve created this Disaster Prep series to practical measures you can take to prepare for and remain safe help you prepare for, protect against and during and after a tornado. respond to the effects of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, flood or tornado. ! Being aware of these tornado danger signs can help: For more information, please review the Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base. resources in our Disaster Response Center or contact Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base your local Willis Towers Watson client relationship (not all tornadoes have a funnel).
    [Show full text]