Tornado Season Has Arrived in Ohio

Spring is usually at greatest risk for tornadoes, but they pop up any time of year. Are you prepared for a tornado? Do you know where to go and what to do in the event of a tornado? On average, 16 tornadoes and five tornado fatalities are reported each year in Ohio. Follow these tips from the American Red Cross to prevent tragedy in your home. Here's what you can do to prepare for such an emergency.

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan

Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered. If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

• first aid kit and essential medications
• battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
• canned food and can opener
• bottled water
• sturdy shoes and work gloves

Also include in the kit written instructions on how to turn off your home's utilities.

Drills
Conduct periodic drills, so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching.

Listen!
Listen to the radio, local television or the weather channel when weather gets bad. They will warn of tornado activity. Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means--
A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area. A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately. Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county or parish.

When a tornado WATCH is issued...

Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.

Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

When a tornado WARNING is issued...

If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area. If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.

If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).

After the storm passes...

Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.

Listen to the radio for information and instructions. Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.

If caught outside:

• Try to find a ditch or low-lying area; lie flat and protect your head and neck with your hands.
• Don't try to outrun a tornado with your car. Automobiles can be tossed around by the high winds.

For more information about tornado safety, call the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross at 216-341-3046.

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This information is provided by the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross