What if it's NOT a Storm?

What if it’s NOT a Storm?

                It is a warm, humid, summer day and you are walking to the mailbox, you notice large cumulonimbus storm clouds rolling in, and hear thunder in the distance. You brush it off, get the mail and walk back inside brushing it off because you think it’s just another storm. What if it’s not? As most of you know tornado season is right around the corner and it is imminent to know the safety precautions you must take in order to be safe from the disasters that occur during a tornado.

                First you must know that we are in tornado alley, which means we are more likely to get tornadoes then say, California. Since we are in tornado alley it is a good idea to get a weather radio, which you can pick up at any Wal-Mart Store. Also, make sure that you have a plan worked out with your family of what to do in case of a tornado. Tornado season begins in early spring, peaks in May and June, and ends usually in late summer. When a storm rolls in and you are looking for the signs, the temperature may drop significantly. Look at the sky. Does it have a menacing green color to it? Also, the wind may pick up and blow quite strong, when the wind is blowing, (this could occur even during a normal storm) look for rotation in the storm clouds. Listen for a loud continuous rumble, like thunder that just won’t cease.  Further, there will be heavy rain fall and hail. Look for flying debris as well because sometimes the funnels of tornadoes are not visible. When it is dark, it is extremely hard to tell (even though a majority of tornadoes happen between 3 and 9 p.m.) if a tornado has touched down and is wreaking havoc on your town. If you suspect that there may be a tornado nearby, look around outside for flashes of light other than lightning, they could be blue or green. The flashes of light are power lines being taken out! Take cover immediately! Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT, take the time to open all of your windows! That does not make one bit of difference and will only give you less time to get to your safe spot!

                Before tornado season hits you should consider getting things ready for your shelter or safe spot, be it a basement or a middle room in your house such as a closet. A mattress or sleeping bag to cover yourself to protect you from debris, a flashlight, your handy dandy weather radio, thick blankets,  and perhaps a first aid kit. Your safe spot can also be underneath your stairs, or in a bathtub, just make sure you stay far away from windows.  If you are in a mobile home, get out!  You are safer outside than inside the mobile home! It can be tossed around like a car. When you are in the safe spot get down on your knees, put your face as close to them as possible, and cover your head! If you are outside lay flat with your hands over your head in a place away from trees and the mobile home or car you might have been inside. After the tornado occurs make sure to stay away from fallen power lines and stay with your family. If you can, call 911 if anyone is injured. Do not go into your home if it is damaged by the tornado because it could be unstable and make sure to watch for fallen debris such as glass, nails, splintered wood, etc.

                It is imminent to know the safety precautions to take during a tornado. You could save your own life, or another’s life. Make sure to remember that tornado season in this region starts in early spring and ends in late summer. Take the proper safety precautions by listening to your weather radio, watching the news, and watching the clouds. Do not panic! Just be safe!