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McLean County ESDA Tornado Preparedness and Response STRATEGIES FOR FAMILIES BE PREPARED Tornadoes are common in Conduct tornado drills each tornado season. Designate an area in Central Illinois and are worth your home as a shelter and practice having everyone in the family go taking seriously. The most violent there in response to a tornado threat. A basement, storm cellar or tornadoes are capable of lowest level of your home is best. If there is no basement, use an tremendous destruction with inner hallway or a small inner room without a window, such as a wind speeds of 250 miles per bathroom or a closet. hour or more. Damage paths can be in excess of a mile wide and 50 miles long. When a tornado is If you live in a mobile home, plan to take shelter in another building coming, you have only a short with a strong foundation. Some mobile home parks provide shelter for amount of time to make residents. If your park does not have a community shelter, consult life-or-death decisions. Advance with the management and request that one be provided. planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado. Know the difference between a "tornado watch" and a "tornado A tornado is defined as a warning. violently rotating column of air a) A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when extending from a thunderstorm weather conditions are such that tornadoes are likely to develop. to the ground. It usually forms When a watch is announced, you should listen to the radio or television for further developments; keep a battery-powered radio on hand in case electrical power is lost; and tie down loose objects outside or bring them inside. when weather is warm, humid and unsettled, and often in b) A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or conjunction with severe indicated by radar. At this point, the danger is very serious and thunderstorms. Direction of everyone should go to a safe place, turn on a battery-operated movement usually Is from the radio or television and wait for the "all clear" by the authorities. southwest to the northeast, but a tornado's path may be erratic. Likewise, tornadoes tend to occur between 3 and 8 p.m., but they may occur any time. Have emergency supplies on hand a) Flashlights and extra batteries b) Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries c) First-aid kit and manual; essential medicines d) Emergency food, water, cooking equipment, can opener e) Cash and credit cards f) Sturdy shoes Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated during a disaster because of work or school, choose a long-distance relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it is often easier to call long-distance than to make a local call. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person. F-14 ---PAGE BREAK--- McLean County ESDA DURING A TORNADO AFTER A TORNADO * Gas leaks. If you smell If you are at home during a tornado: the putrid odor of leaking gas, leave your home Go at once to the basement, storm cellar or the lowest level of the immediately and call the building. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small gas company. Lanterns, inner room without a window, such as a bathroom or a closet. torches, electrical sparks and cigarettes could cause an explosive fire if there Get away from windows. is a leak. Do not turn on any light switches. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from comers because they * Electrocution. Check tend to attract debris. utility lines and appliances for damage. If electrical wiring appears Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy damaged, turn off the table. current at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Use your arms to protect your head and neck * Structural damage. Watch for falling debris and the If at work or school: possibility of collapse. * Water. If water pipes Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level. are damaged, do not use water from the tap; it may * Avoid wide rooms such as auditoriums, cafeterias or large hallways. be contaminated. Damaged sewage systems should be serviced as soon as * Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench, heavy possible - they are health table or desk. hazards. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. If outdoors: If possible, get inside a building. If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. Additional resources: Your local emergency government office, McLean County Emergency Services an Disaster Agency, the American Red Cross, your If in a car or truck: county Extension office, the Illinois Never try to outdrive a tornado. Tornadoes can change direction Division of Emergency Management, the quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air. Federal Emergency Management Agency Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building, ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. F-15 ---PAGE BREAK--- McLean County ESDA Protecting Homes From Lightning WHAT TO DO BEFORE LIGHTNING STRIKES LIGHTNING-ROD SYSTEMS Three protective measures will Lightning-rod and ground systems, if properly installed, are believed to be help safeguard your home from at least 90 percent effective in preventing damage should a lightning strike lightning: a lightning-rod and occur. They were more common years ago, when they were sold door to ground system, a grounded TV door with high pressure tactics. Today, fewer homes have such systems, antenna and grounded perhaps because people feel the $1,500-plus cost outweighs the risk. Just appliances. These devices are what is the risk? One estimate says a Illinois home is likely to be particularly important if you live struck by lightning once every 350 years. in an area subject to frequent or severe thunderstorms. Unless you have the expertise, have A good lightning protection system has five components: only licensed electrical contractors install these The lightning rod or air terminal intended to intercept the strike. systems. Some metal roofs can be used as air terminals. A cable capable of conducting the electrical charge safely to the ground. The ground connector, which provides contact with the earth so that the lightning can be safely dissipated. The bonding between the first three components so that no side flash occurs at the joints because of a poor connection. The lightning arrester or surge protector. Arresters guard against damage that may occur from lightning that strikes a nearby power line, phone line or other wire entering the house. Quality components and proper installation are both important. If you are purchasing a system be sure it has been approved by the Lightning Protection Institute or Underwriters Laboratory. Also be sure that the contractor is listed or certified by one or both of these groups. GROUNDED TV ANTENNAS Even if you have a lightning rod system, outdoor television antennas should be grounded. The "core of protection" created by a grounded high point probably extends downward at a 45-degree angle all around the high point. A grounded antenna is no substitute for a lightning-rod system, however. If you have a lightning-rod and ground system, the TV can be grounded by connecting the mast to the rod system. The ribbon lead-in should run through the arrester, the arrester should be grounded to one of the lightning-rod grounds. The arrester should be located at a lower level (closer to the earth) than the TV set. F-16 ---PAGE BREAK--- McLean County ESDA GROUNDED APPLIANCES Appliances are more frequently burned out by electrical surges from nearby lightning strikes than from direct lightning. Lightning does not have to strike the distribution line to cause such a surge. To protect appliances, have a "secondary lightning arrester" installed in the service wires at the point where they drop to the house. Your electric power supplier can tell you where to purchase these secondary arresters and what kinds would be best for your electrical system. SURGE PROTECTORS A relatively inexpensive way to protect electronic equipment from power surges is though use of surge protectors. These devices are typically attached between the appliance and the wall outlet. They protect delicate electronic components in appliances such as microwave ovens, computers and VCRs from power surges caused by lightning or other sources. You can purchase surge protectors at computer and office-equipment stores. Additional resources: Your county Extension office, your electric power supplier, licensed electrical contractors, the Lightning Protection Institute F-17 ---PAGE BREAK--- McLean County ESDA Standby Electric Generators A SOURCE OF EMERGENCY POWER FOR FARMERS TYPES OF GENERATORS An emergency source of power Standby generators are either engine driven or tractor driven. Either type is important for any farm with can be stationary or portable. Engine-driven units can be either manual or mechanically ventilated automatic start. Gasoline-, LP gas- (bottled gas) and diesel-fueled engines production facilities, bulk milk are available. handling equipment, mechanical feeding equipment or facilities Generators must provide the same type of power at the same voltage and requiring constant and frequency as that supplied by power lines. This is usually 120/240 volt, continuous heat (such as single phase, 60 cycle alternating current (AC). An air-cooled engine is brooders). On such a farm, a standby electric generator is a often used for generators up to 15 kilowatts. A liquid-cooled engine is good investment, possibly necessary for generators larger than 15 kilowatts. Engine capacity of 2 to 2 preventing costly losses during 1/4 hp with the proper drive system must be available for each 1,000 watts a power failure. of generator output. During disasters such as flood or tornado, relief agencies may provide generators to farmers on SIZE OF GENERATORS an emergency basis. A full-load system will handle the entire farmstead load. Automatic engine-powered, full-load systems will begin to furnish power immediately, or up to 30 seconds after power is off. Smaller and less expensive part-load systems may be enough to handle essential equipment during an emergency. Power-take-off (PTO) generators are about half as costly as engine-operated units. Under a part-load system, only the most essential equipment is operated at one time. For most farms, this type of system is adequate, provided the generator is sized to start the largest motor. For example, the milk cooler or ventilation fan would need to be operated continuously, but the operation of the silo unloader and mechanical feeding system could be postponed until the milking chores are completed. PTO units can be mounted on a trailer. INSTALLATION Wiring and equipment must be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code, local ordinances and the requirements of your power supplier. It is essential that you have the proper equipment for disconnecting the generator from public utility lines. Most companies require the installation of a double-pole double-throw transfer switch or its equivalent for this purpose. Check with your electrician or power supply representative for installation, installation instructions and inspection. F-18 ---PAGE BREAK--- McLean County ESDA LOCATION AND SAFETY FEATURES * Large engine generators should be located in a building, preferably a heated building. * Inlet and outlet air ducts must be large enough to carry off excess heat. They should be open at least a half a square foot for each 1,000 watts of generator capacity. * Combustion fumes must be carried outdoors safely. Exhaust pipes must be at least 6 inches from combustible material. OPERATION An automatic standby unit should start automatically when power fails, and stop when power is restored. When using an engine-driven generator with a manual start, or when using a tractor driven unit, follow this procedure when power fails: • Call your power supplier and advise them of the conditions. • Turn off or disconnect all electrical equipment. • Position the tractor or engine for belt of PTO drive. • Start the unit and bring the generator up to proper speed (1,800 or 3,600 rps). Check on arrangement to carry off exhaust fumes. Be sure there is no danger of fire. The voltmeter will indicate when the generator is ready to carry the load. • Put the transfer switch in the generator position. • Start the largest electrical motor first, adding other loads when each is up to operating speed. Do not add too much too fast. If the generator cuts out for any reason, repeat the second, third and fourth steps above. • Check the voltmeter frequently. If voltage falls below 200 volts for 240 volt service or below 100 volts for 120 volt service, reduce the load on the generator by turning off some electrical equipment. • When commercial power is restored, put the transfer switch in normal power position. Then stop the standby unit. MAINTENANCE • Keep the unit clean and in good running order at all times so it will be ready for immediate use. Dust and dirt accumulations on the motor can cause it to overheat when operated. • Follow maintenance instructions in manufacturer's manual. A short operation at set intervals will keep the engine in good operating condition. Regularly scheduled warm-ups are necessary to keep a standby engine in working order. Information from: "Standby Power," Illinois Farm Electrification Council, Fact Sheet #2 F-19 ---PAGE BREAK--- McLean County ESDA Salvaging Food After a Tornado FOOD SAFETY IN THE EYE OF A DISASTER USE CAUTION WITH WATER AND FOOD SUPPLIES Damaged food supplies, water contamination and temporary The water supply may be disrupted or contaminated after an area has loss of refrigeration may be sustained a tornado. Food in damaged buildings and homes may be critical Issues for you as a hazardous. Follow these precautions: tornado survivor. While structural damage may be the initial focus in your home, some * Drink only approved or chlorinated water. basic precautions can keep your food stores safe and your family * Consider all water from wells, cisterns and other delivery systems in healthy as you begin clean-up the disaster area unsafe until tested. efforts. * Check foods and discard any containing particles of glass or slivers of If you live in an area susceptible other debris. to tornadoes, keep an adequate supply of food, bottled water * Discard canned foods with broken seams. and emergency equipment on hand. This includes enough canned food to last four to five REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER CONCERNS days, a hand can opener, battery-powered radio, extra If the electricity is off to the refrigerator or freezer, follow these batteries and emergency guidelines: cooking equipment like a camp stove with fuel to operate it. * Discard refrigerated meats, seafood, milk, soft cheese, eggs, prepared foods and cookie dough if they have been kept above 40 degrees F. for over two hours. Also discard thawed items that have warmed above 40 degrees with the exception of breads and plain cakes. Additional resources: * Discard any refrigerated items that turn moldy or have an unusual Your county family living agent, odor or appearance. The American Red Cross, the Federal Refreeze partially or completely frozen foods. Emergency Management Agency * Cold but fully thawed, uncooked meat, fish or poultry should be Related publications: checked for off-odor. If there is none, cook and eat or cook and U of IL-Extension Publications- refreeze. "Management of Food for * Discard combination dishes such as stews, casseroles and meat pies if Emergencies," they are thawed. "Quick Consumer Guide to Safe Food Handling," * Refreeze thawed (but cold) juices, baked goods, and dairy items such "When the Home Freezer Stops," as cream, cheese and butter. * Do not refreeze thawed vegetables unless ice remain. Cook "Keeping Food Safely," and use them if there are no off-odors. Information from: University of Illinois Cooperative Extension, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, "Food News For Consumers," Spring 1992. F-20 ---PAGE BREAK--- McLean County ESDA Disinfecting Dishes, Cookware and Utensils SAFETY GUIDELINES AFTER A DISASTER DISASSEMBLE, WASH AND DISINFECT During a disaster such as a Take apart any item that can be cleaned in pieces. If possible, remove flood, tornado or fire, kitchen handles from pots. If you have a dishwasher and the hot water temperature items easily can become is at least 140 degrees use a long wash cycle and heated drying cycle to contaminated. Floodwaters may clean and disinfect dishwasher-safe items. Regarding other items, or all contain slit, raw sewage, oil or items if you don't have a dishwasher, follow these steps: chemical wastes, while fires may leave residues from toxic fumes * Wash all items in a strong detergent solution. Use a brush to or fire-fighting chemicals. Before remove dirt. Rinse in hot water. using any item that has come in contact with these substances, follow the guidelines at right. * Immerse glass, porcelain, china, plastic dinnerware and enamelware for 10 minutes in a disinfecting solution of 2 tablespoons of chlorine bleach per gallon of hot water. Disinfect silverware, metal utensils, and pots and pans by boiling in water for 10 minutes. Chlorine bleach should not be used in this case because it reacts with many metals and causes them to darken. Air-dry dishes. Do not use a towel. * Discard and replace soft, porous plastic or wood items saturated by floodwater, since they cannot be sanitized. These include baby bottles, nipples and pacifiers. * If cupboards and counters come in contact with floodwater, clean and rinse them with a chlorine bleach solution before storing dishes. Additional resources: Your county family living agent, the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Related publications: "Repairing Your Flooded Home," American Red Cross/Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1992. Information from: Illinois Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service University of Wisconsin-Extension - Cooperative Extension F-21 ---PAGE BREAK--- McLean County ESDA Inspecting Farm Buildings for Wind Damage SAFETY CHECKS AFTER A STORM ROOF Wind damage to buildings is not Damaged or missing shingles. Check asphalt shingles for cracks at the always readily apparent. For this butt end, where they may have been weakened from flexing. Make reason, examine all farm sure individual shingles have not blown off. Thoroughly inspect buildings for hidden damage shingles on the ridge, gable ends and eaves. after a severe windstorm or tornado. Undetected damage Loose nails on metal roofing. Inspect the entire roof, with particular could weaken a structure, attention to gable ends, eaves and ridge cap. If nails have worked creating possible hazards. loose, re-nail them as soon as possible. If the nails don't hold when Prompt repair is usually less hammered back in, use #12 or #14 metal screws to fill old nail holes. expensive in the long run. (Use aluminum screws on aluminum and steel screws on steel.) In addition to screws, re-nail 3 to 4 inches away with ring or screw-type nails. Potential leaks. On a sunny day, check the roof carefully from inside with the building doors closed. While looking for holes in the roof, inspect the ridge, gable ends and eaves for possible structural separation. FOUNDATION Inspect the foundation. The plate should not be separated from the studding where the foundation meets the walls. On block foundations, inspect mortar joints to make sure the block with the plate bolt in it hasn't separated from the wall. On stone or concrete foundations, check to see that the plate bolts have not worked loose. SILO Make sure the silo is still plumb. Look for loose hoops. Inspect the roof to be sure it remains fastened to the silo. Inspect the base of metal silos inside and outside for hairline cracks. If there is rust around the base, remove it with a wire brush. Then check for cracks and apply a rust preventive paint. Look for new cracks in the plaster of empty concrete stave silos. INTERIOR Inspect the interior of buildings for structural damage. Using a good light, check the framing. Look for ridge separation, loose knee braces and loose rafters where the rafters join the walls. Additional resources: Your county agricultural agent F-22 ---PAGE BREAK--- McLean County ESDA Assessing Roof Damage After a Tornado REPAIR STRATEGIES FOR HOMEOWNERS WORKING WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY If your roof has suffered Call your insurance agent about the damage to your home and roof so that structural damage from a your agent can file a claim. The sooner you talk to your agent, the sooner tornado, make family safety your your claim will be filed and an adjuster will inspect your damage. The first priority. In some cases, amount of coverage for your loss depends on your policy. But even if you such as a partially collapsed don't have full coverage, your agent may be able to give you advice on roof, you may need to relocate where to get help with repairs. until repairs are made. Next, report damage to your Insurance company. If you must make Because some damage may not be discovered until repairs are underway, temporary repairs before an don't be in a hurry to settle your insurance claim. Instead, keep your insurance adjuster's visit, take insurance agent apprised of repair estimates and repairs; have your building photographs or make a contractor or roofer discuss repairs and estimates with your agent if videotape of damage. You will possible. Only settle your claim when you feel all repairs are known and/or need good records for insurance made. That way, if related problems such as water damage, foundation claims, applications for disaster damage or the need for new wiring are uncovered during reconstruction, assistance and income tax your insurance settlement may reflect these as well. deductions. TEMPORARY REPAIRS If temporary repairs are needed before the professionals arrive, be sure that only a physically able person is allowed on the roof. Unsteadiness on the ladder or roof can lead to severe injuries. If the roof is sagging from structural damage, wait for a professional to assess damage and make repairs; a sagging roof may unexpectedly collapse. Cover holes in the roof, walls or windows with boards, tarps or plastic sheeting. If possible, place tarps or plastic over the ridge so rain rolls off. Nail down plastic sheets or trash bags with strips of wood and secure them with duct tape. If the holes are large, you may need to support the plastic in the center to keep it from ripping from the weight of the rain. If sections of the roof or floors are sagging, have a contractor or other knowledgeable person brace weak areas. Improper bracing may increase damage and the chance of injury, so do not attempt this work unless you are experienced in structural repairs. F-23 ---PAGE BREAK--- McLean County ESDA PERMANENT REPAIRS If damage is limited to non-structural elements such as shingles, flashing and sheathing, contact a professional roofer for the work. If damage is structural in nature, hire a general contractor. A general contractor can replace the entire roof structure or portions of the roof as necessary, in addition to handling related repairs. If the contractor does not have roofing expertise (e.g. shingles, sheathing, etc.), he may subcontract this portion of the work to a specialist. Additional resources: Your family living agent, the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency F-24