1. Kara Rhoads, Property Management Intern
Tornado Safety
Kara Rhoads, Property Management Intern

2. Awareness
Here are some videos my personal friend, Isaac Duncan, took while taking cover from the Joplin, MO. tornado of 2011
First person account of taking cover:
Aftermath of where they took cover:
Interview:
Dangerous storms happen quickly. You must be prepared to think on your feet, like the individuals in the videos.

3. When/Where do Tornados have a likelihood of occurring?
Tornados typically occur from 3p.m.- 9p.m. during the Spring and Summer months of these locations.

4. Risk Factor
Eureka, IL F4

5. It Can Happen To You
February ‘11
March ‘11
April ‘11
May ‘11

6. Being Prepared for a Tornado
Prepare a plan in advance (NOW!) if you do not have one. Families with plans are calmer and operate quickly.
Plan should consist of where to seek shelter
Basement
Most interior room without windows
Bathtubs in bathrooms on the first floor
In closets underneath stairwells
Choose small rooms because they are less susceptible to collapsing
Avoid southern and western walls because that is usually where the tornado and high winds will be coming from
Rule to Remember: Put as many floors (first) and walls (second) between you and the tornado

7. Being Prepared for a Tornado
Your plan should also consist of a meeting place after the storm incase your family is not together when the storm hits
An out-of-state relative should be dedicated as the contact for all family members after the storm. It is easier to call long distance or text immediately following a disaster than it is calling local.

8. Safety Kit
The American Red Cross suggests that you assemble a "disaster supplies kit" that you keep in your shelter area. The kit should contain:
Cash and credit cards
Written instructions on how to turn off your homes utilities
Identification and important papers for recovering after the storm
Helmets- They can protect your head from flying debris
Blankets, pillows, or mattresses to shield yourself
A first aid kit with essential medication in addition to the usual items
A battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
Canned and other non-perishable foods and a hand-operated can opener
Bottled water
Sturdy shoes and work gloves

9. Watch vs. Warning
WARNING= means there has been an actual tornado spotted/reported and it is a WARNING for you to take cover immediately! (tornados happen in a matter of seconds so do not waste any time)
WATCH= means conditions are favorable for tornadic weather

10. During Severe Weather Stay as calm as possible
Watch and listen for signs of a tornado, including:
Extremely dark or discolored green skies with oddly shaped rotating clouds
Hail
Tornado sirens
High winds that throw dust in a sporadic pattern
Loud roar (like a freight train or jet) that does not stop quickly

11. Know your Location
Make sure to know your surrounding counties to the west and south so you can track where the weather or tornado will move.
Can you find Brazos?

12. What if your in a car during a tornado?
DO NOT:
STAY INSIDE YOUR CAR IF A TORNADO IS COMING AT YOU
TRY TO OUT RUN THE TORNADO
HIDE UNDER AN OVERPASS (BEING ABOVE GROUND LEVEL IS NOT SMART IN TORNADOS)
DO:
Seek sturdy shelter (only if you have time)
If no shelter is near, get out of your car and find the lowest lying land nearby (ditch or ravine) to lay flat down in.
Cover your head and neck with your hands
Proof!

13. Mobile Homes
Use the SAME rules stated for Cars if you are caught in a Mobile Home
Mobile homes are not safe in tornados even if tied down.

14. Aftermath
Treat small injuries with first aid kits
Do not move anyone who is badly injured
Beware of possible injury during recovery efforts as well
Beware of fire hazards (Gas leaks are common as well as electrical fires after tornados so get out of dangerous areas.)
Check on all neighbors to see if they need help but do not enter unsteady structures (wait for authorities)

15. Aftermath Volunteer your help to others in recovery efforts if able.
Watch for down power lines
Keep phone use to a minimum.
For more: