SWEPT - TORNADO

Be Prepared - Stay Calm - Follow Emergency Guidelines

Before a Tornado:

Stay Informed:
Monitor weather forecasts and tornado warnings from reliable sources.
Invest in a NOAA Weather Radio for real-time alerts.

Emergency Plan:
Develop and practice a tornado emergency plan with your family.
Identify safe locations in your home, workplace, and schools.

Emergency Kit:
Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food,
flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies,
important documents, and any necessary medications.

Tornado Shelter:

Identify and know the location of nearby tornado shelters in your community.

Secure Your Home:

Reinforce your home's structural integrity, especially doors, windows, and the roof.
Remove or securely fasten outdoor objects that could become projectiles.

During a Tornado:

Seek Shelter:
Go to the lowest level of your home, preferably a basement. If there's no basement,
choose an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom or closet.

Avoid Windows:
Stay away from windows, as shattered glass can cause severe injuries.
Protect your head and neck with your arms.

Helmet:
Consider wearing a helmet to protect your head, especially if you have one for
sports or construction.

Stay Informed:

Keep a battery-powered weather radio or a smartphone with emergency alerts
to stay updated on the tornado's progress.

Mobile Homes:

If you live in a mobile home, abandon it immediately and seek sturdier shelter.

Avoid Cars:

Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car. Abandon the vehicle and seek shelter
in a sturdy building or a low-lying area like a ditch.

After a Tornado:

Wait for the All Clear:
Wait for official announcements that the tornado threat has passed before leaving your shelter.

Be Cautious:
Be cautious of downed power lines, broken glass, and other hazards when exiting your shelter.

Check for Injuries:
Check yourself and others for injuries. Administer first aid as needed.

Document Damage:

Document and list damaged items for insurance claims.
Keep receipts for any temporary repairs.

Assess Damage:

Assess the damage to your property but be careful of unstable structures.

Stay Informed:

Keep listening to emergency broadcasts for updates and additional warnings.

Help Others:

Assist neighbors who may require help, especially the elderly, disabled, or those with young children.

Avoid Gas Leaks:

If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve and leave the area immediately. Report the leak to authorities.

Remember that tornadoes can develop rapidly, and being prepared ahead of time is crucial. Regularly practice tornado drills with
your family and coworkers so that everyone knows what to do in case of a tornado emergency.

Evacuation Plan
Create a plan for where you and your family will go in the event of a tornado — at home, at work and at relatives’ or friends’ homes that you visit frequently. Always be alert to changing weather conditions.
Pick a safe room in your home where household members and pets may gather during a tornado. This should be a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.
Keep a flashlight, cell phone and portable radio with you at all times.
Keep trees around your home trimmed well before a storm to prevent damage.
Have the proper materials(Tapcons with drill bit and plywood) in advance to board up your windows.
Bring loose outdoor items such as patio furniture inside.
Secure all doors on your property. The garage door is the most vulnerable.
Check with your work and your children’s school and day care center regarding tornado emergency plans. Every building has different safe places. It is important to know where they are and how to get there in an emergency.
Make sure everyone understands how tornado siren warning systems work and if a warning system is installed in your area.
Mark clearly where your first-aid kit and fire extinguishers are located. Make sure the first-aid kit is properly stocked with medical supplies.
Teach your family how to administer basic first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home.
Mark clearly where the utility switches or valves are located so they can be turned off – if time permits – in an emergency.
Learn the emergency dismissal policy for your child’s school.