Prepare a Home Tornado Plan
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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.
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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 Containing:
- First aid kit and essential medications
- Canned food and can opener
- At least three gallons of water per person
- Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
- Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members
- Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so(Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on)
Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings
- Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information
- 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 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 Tornado 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
- Do not use candles at any time
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