| This week we'd like to share some important tips for staying safe during a tornado whether you are in your house or in your car. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), nine percent of people killed by tornadoes between 1985 and 2008 were in their cars. To help warn drivers on roadways, Hennepin and Ramsey counties in Minnesota put up digital billboards last week, which display tornado warnings. The system can supersede scheduled programming on the digital billboards to display tornado warnings for 15 minute increments.
Tornado Safety Tips
If you are in a tornado watch area, here are three quick tips to keep in mind:
1. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
2. Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
3. Look for the following danger signs:
Dark, often greenish sky
Large hail
A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
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 car during a tornado, you should take the following actions:
Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat or other cushion, if possible.
If you can safely get lower than the level of the roadway, leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in a car or truck.
Share your experience with tornadoes here in this community discussion forum.
WEBINAR: Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) on Campuses
Did you know over 2,000 local jurisdictions and dozens of college and university campuses across the country have used the CERT model to prepare for disasters? Join us at 3:00 p.m. EDT on May 8 for a discussion of Campus CERT and its role in emergency preparedness. Webinar participants will learn how CERT training can improve the security of your student population and the whole community.
Register for the webinar here.
Please use this link if you are already a registered Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) user and simply need to log in to the webinar.
Many of our community members have shared their experience as a CERT member. We invite you to weigh in here. |
