Nytearia Means

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornadoes are violent by nature. They are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles.

Tornado “Warning” A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Listen to a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, regular radio, or television for updated information Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television stations for updated information Be alert to changing weather conditions Tornado “Watch”

Dark, often greenish clouds – a phenomenon caused by hail ̶ Wall cloud – an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm ̶ Cloud of debris ̶ Large hail ̶ Funnel cloud – a visible rotating extension of the cloud base ̶ Roaring noise

Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information about tornadoes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross chapter, and the nearest hospitals. Periodically inform your community of local public warning systems. Sponsor a "Helping Your Neighbors" program at your local schools to encourage children to think of those persons who require special assistance, such as elderly people, infants, or people with disabilities. Conduct a series on how to protect yourself during a tornado in case you are at home, in a car, at the office, or outside. Interview local officials about what people living in mobile home parks should do if a tornado warning is issued.

Develop a Family Disaster Plan. Conduct periodic tornado drills, so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching Pick a safe place in your home where family members could gather during a tornado. The safest place to be is underground, or as low to the ground as possible, and away from all windows. If you have a basement, make it your safe place. If you do not have a basement, consider an interior hallway or room on the lowest floor. Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during floods or other disasters, have a plan for getting back together. Separation is a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school. Be familiar with escape routes. Depending on the type of disaster, it may be necessary to evacuate your home. Plan several escape routes in case certain roads are blocked or closed. Remember to follow the advice of local officials during evacuation situations. Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Practice periodic tornado drills so that everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. During any storm, listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about watches and warnings.

Each school should be inspected and tornado shelter areas designated. Schools with basements should use these as shelters. Schools without basements should use ground floor interior hallways that are not parallel to the tornado's path. Never use gymnasiums, auditoriums, media centers, or other rooms with wide, free-span roofs. Teachers and students should know their designated areas. A special alarm system should be designated to indicate a tornado has been sighted and is approaching. During a tornado Watch, specific teachers or other school staff members should be designated to monitor commercial radio or TV for tornado Warnings, in addition to the Weather Alert radio.

EH&S_links/EH&S_docs/Health_Tornado_Safe.pdf