BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY Tornado Safety

Agenda

What Is A Tornado?

Tornados occur in many parts of the world…in all months of the year. Most frequent during the spring and summer months. 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries average per year (nationwide). In the USA, the area between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains, known as the “Plain States” is nicknamed “Tornado Alley” due to the frequency of tornadoes.

How Prevalent Are Tornados In Ohio? 5

Tornadoes History Within 50 Miles of Bowling Green, OH 6

Know the Difference Between a Tornado Watch and a Warning 7 A Tornado Watch is issued by the NWS when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. Watches can last 4-8 hours. During a tornado watch, you should review tornado safety rules and be prepared to move to a place of safety Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local news for up-to-date weather information. A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has been detected by Doppler radar or sighted by storm spotters. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, seek shelter immediately! NOTE: A tornado watch does not have to be in effect for a tornado to form. Continue to listen to the NOAA Weather Radio or local newscasts for current local weather information.

Where To Find Information About Tornado Safety---Step 1 8 Tap “Search”

Where To Find Information About Tornado Safety---Step 2 9 Type “tornado”

Where To Find Information About Tornado Safety---Step 3 10

Where To Find Information About Tornado Safety---Step 4 11

Alert BG 12

AlertBG (con’t) 13 The AlertBG service is a way of reaching students and staff in the event of an emergency. Text messages will be sent to warn of such situations as crimes in progress, emergencies affecting the campus community, building closures, severe weather and class cancellation. This program adds another dimension to the campus’ overall comprehensive emergency management plan, and will only be used in emergencies or for campus closures. The BGSU Police Department will send the messages. Signing up for the text service can be done at the secure MyBGSU site. Click on the AlertBG tab at the top of the Welcome page and complete the signup form. Participants can choose to receive alerts on their cell phones and .

Actions To Take Before A Tornado Event 14 Have a disaster plan. Make sure everyone knows where to go in case a tornado threatens. Make sure you know which county you are in. (BGSU is in Northwest Ohio--Wood County) Prepare a kit with emergency food for your home. Have enough food and water for at least 3 days.

Ohio County Map 15

DURING A TORNADO 16 Go to a basement. If you do not have a basement, go to an interior room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or closet. If you can, get under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table. If you live in a mobile home get out. They offer little protection against tornadoes. Get out of automobiles. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car, leave it immediately. If you’re outside, go to a ditch or low lying area and lie flat in it. Stay away from fallen power lines and stay out of damaged areas.

After A Tornado 17 Stay indoors until it is safe to come out. Use a flashlight to inspect your home. Check for injured or trapped people, without putting yourself in danger. Watch out for downed power lines, broken natural gas lines, unstable structures, sharp items, debris, and items that can fall (roofs, trees, utility poles).

Thank You For Attending! 18