Tornado
Planning Ahead for Tornadoes
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. An F5 category tornado can pack winds up to 318 miles per hour, literally destroying anything in its path. They can appear suddenly without warning and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel cloud appears. Planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter is a matter of survival. Be prepared to act quickly. Keep in mind that while tornadoes are more common in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest, they can occur in any state and at any time of the year, making advance preparation vitally important (http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/tornadoes.html).
Tornadoes can devastate a neighborhood in seconds. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible.
Be prepared for a Tornado (fema.gov)—and be alert to changing weather conditions.
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· Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.
· Look for approaching storms
· Look for the following danger signs:
o Dark, often greenish sky
o Large hail
o A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
o Loud roar, similar to a freight train
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.
If you are in a structure (small building, school, shopping center, etc.), go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
If you are in a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.
If you are outside without shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
To protect your family, you must be prepared prior to a tornado event. We, along with FEMA, recommend storing a food and water supply that will last for at least 72 hours for you and your family. Grocery stores could be hit by the tornado as well, so there may not be a way to get supplies or food as quickly as desired. Augason Farms offers a variety of healthy, high quality, food storage products that can be purchased individually or in a kit on our website.
Below is why your family needs food storage:
“I live in farm country in Kansas. My home was completely flattened by a tornado. Fortunately, we were safe in our basement as the tornado passed over us. However, it was days before relief came. Our Augason Farms food storage products kept my family fed during this period. Augason Farms food storage was a life saver for us!”—Bob H.