sign in sign up
<<
Home , Debris, Storm

38 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 39

What to do before Thunderstorms approach 1. Know the terms used by forecasters: • Severe Watch— Tells you when and where severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to ra- dio or television to know when warn- ings are issued. • Severe Thunderstorm Warning— Issued when has been reported by spotters or indi- cated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the .

2. Know thunderstorm facts: • Thunderstorms may occur singly, hunderstorms are very common in clusters, or in lines. and affect great numbers of people Teach year. Despite their small • Some of the most severe weather size in comparison to hur- occurs when a single thunder- ricanes and , storm affects one location for all thunderstorms are dan- When an extended time. gerous. Every thunderstorm thunderstorms • Thunderstorms typically produces . Other threaten your produce heavy for a brief associated dangers of thun- area, get inside period, anywhere from 30 min- derstorms include tornadoes, a home, building utes to an hour. strong , , and flash • Warm, humid conditions are flooding. Flash flooding is or hard top very favorable for thunder- responsible for more fatali- automobile and storm development. ties— more than 140 annu- stay away from ally— than any other thun- metallic objects • A typical thunderstorm is derstorm-associated hazard. and fixtures. 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes. Some thunderstorms do not produce rain that reaches • Of the estimated 100,000 the ground. These are generically referred thunderstorms each year in the to as dry thunderstorms and are most United States, about 10 percent are prevalent in the western United States. classified as severe. Known to spawn , these storms • A thunderstorm is classified as occur when there is a large layer of dry severe if it produces hail at least air between the base of the and the three-quarters of an inch in diam- ground. The falling raindrops evaporate, eter, has winds of 58 miles per hour but lightning can still reach the ground. or higher, or produces a .

FEDERAL AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 40 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 41

3. Know the calculation to determine how disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness close you are to a thunderstorm: in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, • Count the number of seconds be- muscle spasms, depression, and an tween a flash of lightning and the inability to sit for a long period of time. next clap of thunder. Divide this When thunderstorms threaten your area, number by 5 to determine the dis- get inside a home, building or hard top tance to the lightning in miles. automobile (not a convertible) and stay 4. Remove dead or rotting trees and away from metallic objects and fixtures. branches that could fall and cause 1. If you are inside a home: injury or damage during a severe thun- derstorm. • Avoid showering or bathing. Plumb- ing and bathroom fixtures can con- 5. When a thunderstorm approaches, duct electricity. secure outdoor objects that could blow • Avoid using a corded telephone, away or cause damage. except for emergencies. Cord- Shutter windows, if less and cellular telephones possible, and secure are safe to use. outside doors. If shutters If a Tornado are not available, close Warning • Unplug appliances and window blinds, shades, other electrical items such as or curtains. is issued, computers and turn off air take shelter conditioners. Power surges immediately. from lightning can cause serious damage. Lightning • Use your battery operated NOAA Weather Radio for he ingredient that de- updates from local officials. Tfines a thunderstorm is lightning. Since lightning creates thunder, 2. If outside, with no time to reach a safe a storm producing lightning is called a location, follow these recommenations: thunderstorm. • In a forest, seek shelter in a low Lightning occurs during all thunder- area under a thick growth of small storms. Lightning results from the trees. buildup and discharge of electrical energy • In open areas, go to a low place between positively and negatively charged such as a ravine or valley. Be alert areas. for flash .

The unpredictability of lightning increases • Do not stand under a natural light- the risk to individuals and property. In ning rod, such as a tall, isolated tree the United States, an average of 300 in an open area. people are injured and 80 people are killed • Do not stand on a hilltop, in an open each year by lightning. Although most field, on the beach or in a boat on lightning victims survive, people struck the water. by lightning often report a variety of • Avoid isolated sheds or other small long-term, debilitating symptoms, includ- structures in open areas. ing memory loss, attention deficits, sleep

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 40 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 41

• Get away from open water. If you your local emergency management are boating or swimming, get to land office or American Red Cross chapter and find shelter immediately. for information on CPR and first aid • Get away from anything metal— classes. tractors, farm equipment, motor- • “Heat lightning” is actually lightning cycles, golf carts, golf clubs and from a thunderstorm too far away for bicycles. thunder to be heard. However, the • Stay away from wire fences, clothes- storm may be moving in your direc- lines, metal pipes, rails and other tion! metallic paths that could carry • Most lightning deaths and injuries lightning to you from some distance occur when people are caught out- away. doors in the months during • If you feel your hair stand on end the afternoon and evening. (which indicates that lightning is • Many fires in the western United about to strike), squat low to the States and Alaska are started by ground on the balls of your feet. lightning. Place your hands over your ears • Lightning can occur from cloud- and your head between your knees. to-cloud, within a cloud, cloud-to- Make yourself the smallest target ground, or cloud-to-air. possible and minimize your contact with the ground. DO NOT lie flat on • Your chances of being struck by the ground. lightning are estimated to be 1 in 600,000 but could be even less by 3. Remember the following facts and following safety tips. safety tips about lightning. Safety Tips: Facts: • Postpone outdoor activities if thun- • Lightning often strikes outside of derstorms are likely. heavy rain and may occur as far as • Remember the 30/30 lightning 10 miles away from any rainfall. safety rule – Go indoors if, after see- • Lightning-strike victims carry no ing lighting, you cannot count to 30 electrical charge and should be before hearing thunder. Stay indoors attended to immediately. If breath- for 30 minutes after hearing the last ing has stopped, begin mouth-to- clap of thunder. mouth resuscitation. If the heart has • Rubber-soled shoes and rubber stopped, a trained person should provide NO protection from lightning. administer CPR. If the victim has a However, the steel frame of a hard- pulse and is breathing, look for oth- topped vehicle provides increased er possible injuries. Check for burns protection if you are not touching where the lightning entered and left metal. Although you may be injured the body. Be alert also for nervous if lightning strikes your , you system damage, broken bones, and are much safer inside a vehicle than loss of hearing or eyesight. Contact outside.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 42 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 43

tornadoes have been known to move in Tornadoes any direction.

5. The average forward speed is 30 mph but may vary from stationary to 70 mph with rotating winds that can reach 300 miles per hour.

6. Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.

7. are tornadoes that form over water.

8. Tornadoes are most frequently report- ed east of the Rocky Mountains during and summer months but can ornadoes are nature’s most violent occur in any state at any time of year. storms. Spawned from powerful thun- T 9. In the southern states, peak tornado derstorms, tornadoes can uproot trees, is March through May, while destroy buildings and turn harmless objects peak months in the northern states into deadly missiles. They can devastate a are during the late spring and early neighborhood in seconds. summer. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel- 10. Tornadoes are most likely to occur shaped cloud that extends to the ground between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can with whirling winds that can reach 300 occur at any time of the day or night. miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard. What to do before tornadoes threaten Tornado facts 1. Know the terms used to describe 1. A tornado is a violently rotating column tornado threats: of air extending from a thunderstorm to • Tornado Watch— Tornadoes the ground. are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Listen to your 2. Tornadoes are capable of destroying battery-operated NOAA Weather Ra- homes and vehicles and can cause fa- dio or local radio/television outlets talities. for updated reports. 3. Tornadoes may strike quickly, with little • Tornado Warning — A tornado has or no warning. been sighted or indicated by . Take shelter immediately. 4. Tornadoes may appear nearly transpar- ent until and are picked 2. Ask your local emergency manage- up or a cloud forms in the funnel. The ment office or American Red Cross average tornado moves SW to NE but chapter about the tornado threat in

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 42 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 43

your area. Ask about community and Supplies” and “Evacua- warning signals. tion” chapters for more information.

3. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio 10. Make a record of your personal prop- with a battery backup and tone-alert erty. Take photographs or videotapes feature that automatically alerts you of your belongings. Store these docu- when a Watch or Warning is issued ments in a safe place. (tone alert not available in some areas). Purchase a battery-powered commercial radio and extra batteries What to do during a tornado watch as well. 1. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to 4. Know the county or parish in which commercial radio or television news- you live. Counties and parishes are casts for the latest information. used in Watches and 2. Be alert for approaching Warnings to identify the storms. If you see any revolv- location of tornadoes. With your household, determine where you ing funnel shaped , 5. Determine places to seek would take shelter report them immediately by shelter, such as a base- in case a Tornado telephone to your local police department or sheriff’s office. ment or storm cellar. If Warning was issued. an underground shelter Storm cellars or 3. Watch for tornado danger is not available, identify basements provide signs: an interior room or hall- the best protection. If way on the lowest floor. • Dark, often greenish sky underground shelter • Large hail 6. Practice going to your is not available seek shelter with your house- shelter in an interior • A large, dark, low-lying cloud hold. room or hallway on (particularly if rotating) the lowest floor. • Loud roar, similar to a freight 7. Know the locations of train designated shelters in places where you and your household Caution: spend time, such as public buildings, • Some tornadoes are clearly visible, nursing homes and shopping centers. while rain or nearby low-hanging Ask local officials whether a registered clouds obscure others. engineer or architect has inspected • Occasionally, tornadoes develop so your children’s schools for shelter rapidly that little, if any, advance space. warning is possible. 8. Ask your local emergency manager or • Before a tornado hits, the may American Red Cross chapter if there die down and the air may become are any public safe rooms or shelters very still. nearby. See the “Safe Room and Shel- • A cloud of debris can mark the lo- ter” section at the end of this chapter cation of a tornado even if a funnel is for more information. not visible. 9. Assemble a disaster supply kit. Keep • Tornadoes generally occur near the a stock of food and extra drinking trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is water. See the “Emergency Planning

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 44 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 45

not uncommon to see clear, sunlit 6. In a high-rise building, go to a small, skies behind a tornado. interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. 4. Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hall- 7. Get out of vehicles, trailers and mobile ways, supermarkets or shopping malls. homes immediately and go to the low- est floor of a sturdy nearby building or 5. Be prepared to take shelter imme- a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if diately. Gather household members tied down, offer little protection from and pets. Assemble supplies to take to tornadoes. the shelter such as flashlight, battery- 8. If caught outside with no powered radio, water, and shelter, lie flat in a nearby first aid kit. If caught outside ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. with no shelter Be aware of potential for What to do during when a tornado flooding. a tornado warning hits, lie flat in 9. Do not get under an over- a nearby ditch When a tornado has been pass or bridge. You are safer sighted, go to your shelter or depression in a low, flat location. immediately. and cover your 10. Never try to outrun a head with your tornado in urban or congested 1. In a residence or small hands. Be aware areas in a car or truck; in- building, move to a pre- stead, leave the vehicle imme- designated shelter, such of potential for diately for safe shelter. Tor- as a basement, storm flooding. nadoes are erratic and move cellar or “Safe Room or swiftly. Shelter.” 11. Watch out for flying debris. Flying 2. If there is no basement, go to an inte- debris from tornadoes causes most rior room on the lower level (closets, fatalities and injuries. interior hallways). Put as many walls as possible between you and the out- side. Get under a sturdy table and use What to do after a tornado arms to protect head and neck. Stay 1. Look out for broken glass and downed there until the danger has passed. power lines. 3. Do not open windows. Use the time to 2. Check for injuries. Do not attempt to seek shelter. move seriously injured persons unless 4. Stay away from windows, doors and they are in immediate danger of death outside walls. Go to the center of the or further injury. If you must move an room. Stay away from corners because unconscious person, first stabilize the they attract debris. neck and back, then call for help im- 5. In a school, nursing home, hospital, mediately. factory or shopping center, go to prede- • If the victim is not breathing, termined shelter areas. Interior hall- carefully position the victim for ways on the lowest floor are usually artificial respiration, clear the safest. Stay away from windows and airway and commence mouth-to- open spaces. mouth resuscitation.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 44 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 45

• Maintain body temperature with • In your basement blankets. Be sure the victim does • Beneath a concrete slab-on-grade foun- not become overheated. dation or garage floor • Never try to feed liquids to an • In an interior room on the first floor unconscious person. Shelters built below ground level pro- 3. Use caution when entering a damaged vide the greatest protection, but a shelter building. Be sure that walls, ceiling and built in a first-floor interior room can also roof are in place and that the structure provide the necessary protection. Below- rests firmly on the foundation. Wear ground shelters must be designed to avoid sturdy work boots and gloves. accumulating water during the heavy 4. See the “Recovering From Disaster” that often accompany severe windstorms. chapter for more important infor- To protect its occupants, an in-house mation. shelter must be built to withstand high winds and flying debris, even if the rest Wind “Safe Room and Shelter” of the residence is severely damaged or destroyed. Therefore: • The shelter must be adequately an- chored to resist overturning and uplift. • The walls, ceiling, and door of the shel- ter must withstand wind pressure and resist penetration by windborne objects and falling debris. • The connections between all parts of the shelter must be strong enough to resist the wind. • If sections of either interior or exterior residence walls are used as walls of the shelter, they must be separated from the structure of the residence, so that Extreme windstorms in many parts of the damage to the residence will not cause country pose a serious threat to buildings damage to the shelter. and their occupants. If you are concerned about wind hazards Your residence may be built “to code,” but where you live, especially if you live in that does not mean that it can withstand high-risk areas, you should consider build- winds from extreme events like tornadoes ing a shelter. Publications are available or major hurricanes. from FEMA to assist in determining if you The purpose of a wind shelter or “Safe need a shelter and how to construct a shel- Room” is to provide a space where you ter. Contact the FEMA distribution center and your household can seek refuge that for a copy of Taking Shelter from the Storm provides a high level of protection. You can (L-233 for the brochure and FEMA-320 build a shelter in one of the several places for the booklet with complete construction in your home: plans).

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY