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Tornado Information When a tornado is coming, you have only a short amount of time to make life-or-death decisions. Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado. Whenever thunderstorms threaten your area you should listen to local media for latest information/instructions and keep a watch on the horizon. If you see any revolving funnel-shaped clouds, report them immediately. They normally form several thousand feet above the earth's surface, usually during warm, humid, unsettled weather; usually in conjunction with a severe thunderstorm. As the thunderstorm moves, tornadoes may form at intervals along its path, travel for a few miles, and dissipate. The forward speed of tornadoes has been observed to range from almost no motion to 70 miles per hour. In Georgia, the average tornado width is 475 feet; the average length is 3 miles. Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is not available, lie in ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit. WATCHES AND WARNINGS A tornado watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a tornado to occur. Be prepared to seek shelter. The National Weather Service issues a tornado watch when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted in the immediate area. Immediately seek safe shelter. BEFORE A TORNADO THREATENS • Conduct tornado drills each tornado season. • Designate an area in the home as a shelter. • Conduct tornado drills with your family. • Know the difference between a "watch" and a "warning." • Have disaster supplies on hand. ADEQUATE TORNADO SUPPLIES • Flashlight and extra batteries • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries • First aid kit and manual • Emergency food and water • Non-electric can opener • Essential medicines • Cash and credit cards • Sturdy shoes ---PAGE BREAK--- TORNADO DANGER SIGNS An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado. IF YOU SPOT A TORNADO · Take cover immediately. · Stay away from windows, doors, outside walls and open spaces. · Protect your head from falling objects or flying debris. · In public buildings, go to the pre-designated shelter areas. · In a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home, get out immediately and go to a more substantial structure. · Never get underneath a mobile home/trailer. Seek shelter on foot if possible. · If there is no shelter nearby lie flat in the nearest ditch with your hands shielding your head. DURING A TORNADO · Go to the basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building. · If no basement~ go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows. · Get away from the windows. · Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners. · Get tinder a piece of sturdy furniture. · Use arms to protect head and neck. · If in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere. If outdoors: · If possible, get inside a building. · If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or crouch near a strong building. · Be aware of the potential for flooding. · Use arms to protect head and neck. If in a car: · Never try to out-drive a tornado. Get out of the car and take shelter in a nearby building. If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or crouch near a strong building. · Be aware of the potential for flooding. · Use arms to protect head and neck. FAMILY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PLAN In case family members are separated from one another during a tornado (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person. POST TORNADIC ACTIVITIES · Help injured or trapped persons. ---PAGE BREAK--- · Give first aid when appropriate. · Don't try to move the seriously injured. Call for help. · Turn on radio or television to get the latest emergency information. · Stay out of damaged buildings. · Return home only when authorities say it is safe. · Use the telephone only for emergency calls. · Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, or gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. · Leave the buildings if you smell gas or chemical fumes. · Take pictures of the damage both to the house and its contents for insurance purposes. · Remember to help neighbors who may require special assistance (i.e. infants, elderly). INSPECTING UTILITIES IN A DAMAGED HOME * Check for gas leaks if you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, a professional must turn it back off. * Look for electrical system damage If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice. * Check for sewage and water lines damage If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.