Tornado watch or warning? Here is what you need to know!

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Do you know the difference between a tornado watch and a warning?

Tornadoes are violent: they can completely destroy well-made structures, uproot trees and hurl objects through the air like deadly missiles. Although severe tornadoes are most common in the Plains States, they can happen anywhere. Learn what to do to keep your loved ones safe.

Top Tips

• Identify a safe place in your home where household members and pets will gather during a tornado: a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
• In a high-rise building, pick a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. 
• In a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your safe place. No mobile home, however it is configured, is safe in a tornado.

Know the difference

1. A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible.

2. A tornado WARNING means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon. GO TO YOUR SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY.

   After the storm if you do nothing else:

   1. Let friends and family know you’re safe. - Register yourself as safe on the Safe and Well website

   2. If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.

   3. Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.
   4.  Check for injuries. If you are trained, provide first aid to persons in need until emergency responders arrive.