Tornado Watch vs Warning- Know the difference, how to prepare

The summer months bring tornado season to most portions of the United States.

Understanding the threats and how to prepare is crucial to your household's safety.

Learn the difference between a tornado watch and warning, plus how to prepare in advance. 

TORNADO WATCH: BE PREPARED

According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes are possible in and near the area. 

This is the time when the household should review and discuss emergency plans, take inventory of supplies, and check your safe room.

When a tornado watch is issued in your area, be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued. 

Being prepared and ready to go helps save lives. 

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center typically issues the tornado watch for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch zone is typically large, sometimes covering several counties and/or even states.

While this is the time to get ready, don't panic!

TORNADO WARNING: TAKE ACTION

When the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, this means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. 

There is imminent danger to life and property. 

When a tornado warning is issued, move to your safe place. This is ideally an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Make sure you avoid windows if possible. If you're in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, the NWS recommends moving to the closest substantial shelter to protect yourself from flying debris. 

Your local National Weather Service forecast office will typically issue the warning. 

As opposed to watches, warnings usually encompass a much smaller area that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecast on radar or by a trainer spotter/law enforcement watching the storm. 

While you should act fast, try not to panic. Remember you (should be) prepared for this!  

TORNADO EMERGENCY- SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY

Rarely heard of, a tornado emergency is the National Weather Service highest alert level. 

The National Weather Service will issue this when a violent tornado has touched down in the watch area. 

When this is issued, there is severe threat to human life and property as catastrophic damage has been confirmed. 

If a tornado emergency is issued for your area, you should immediately seek shelter or refuge in the safest location you can find. 

If you're able (and already in a safe place), call your friends and family in the watch area to make sure they're aware of the situation.

The National Weather Service says you should absolutely not attempt to outrun the storm in a vehicle, if you see a tornado approaching, shelter in place. 

Once you're safe, monitor the local forecast for the latest, most accurate information. 

PREPARE FOR A TORNADO

Like most severe weather and emergencies, a tornado can cause stress and anxiety. To ease this, prepare ahead of time so you can stay a little bit calmer if a storm hits knowing you're as prepared as possible.

Here are the National Weather Service's tips for preparing for a tornado:

• Be Weather-Ready: Keep and eye out on the local forecast. Know when weather conditions could signify a risk for tornadoes in your area. You can do this by watching/listening to the local news or listening to NOAA Weather Radio.
• Sign Up for Notifications: Understand how your country issues warnings. Some communities have outdoor sires (only meant to be heard when outside), while others depend on media, smart phones, and/or NOAA Weather Radio to alert residents of storms like tornadoes.
• Create a Communications Plan: Create a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or house without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get to quickly like church or a family member. 
• Practice Your Plan: Conduct a drill regularly so everyone in the house knows what to do if a tornado warning is issued. Make sure everyone in the household is aware of the safe place and don't forget pets!
• Prepare Your Home: Consider having your safe room reinforced. 
• Help Your Neighbor: Encourage neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, and more to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes- especially if you live in an area prone to tornadoes. 

WHAT TO DO DURING A TORNADO

When a tornado is headed your way, you likely won't have too much time to react. That's why preparedness and receiving alerts quickly is key! Acting quick is crucial to staying safe.

Here are the National Weather Service's tips for how to act during a tornado.

• Stay Weather-Ready: Continue to listen to the local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay up to date with the latest, most accurate information.
• At Your House: If you are in a tornado warning, go to the basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows. Don't forget pets if time allows!
• At Your Workplace or School: Follow the tornado drill procedure and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Again, stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms like cafeterias, gyms, or auditoriums.
• Outside: Seek shelter immediately in a sturdy building immediately! Sheds, storage facilities, mobile home, or tents aren't safe. If you have time, get to a safe building
• In a Vehicle: Being in a vehicle during a tornado is also not safe. The best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. If you can't make it, get down in your car and cover your head or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low lying area like a ditch or ravine.

AFTER A TORNADO

Once you are positive you are out of danger and the tornado/storm has passed, here's what the National Weather Service said you should do in the aftermath.

• Stay Informed: Continue to listen to local news and/or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest information. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes are possible during severe weather outbreaks.
• Contact Your Family and Loved Ones: Call friends, family, neighbors, loved ones, etc. and let them know you're ok so they can spread the word. Often times, text messages or social media are more reliable after a storm than a phone call.
• Assess the Damage: When the threat is over, check your property for damage. If you're walking through damage, make sure you're wearing long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes. Get in touch with local authorities if you see a power line that is down. If a building is damaged, don't enter. If your property is damaged, you'll want to be aware of insurance scammers!
• Help Your Neighbor: If you find people that are injured and you have the proper training, provide first aid to victims until emergency response teams arrive. 

NOAA WEATHER RADIO

NOAA Weather Radios (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office.

The NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts, and other hazard information 24/7.

While cell phones are great, it's important to have multiple, redundant ways of receiving alerts. Cell phone towers and internet can become overwhelmed or damaged during a storm so sometimes alerts will be delayed or won't come at all!

NOAA Weather Radios bring the fastest, most accurate information about weather straight from the National Weather Service. 

MIDLAND'S WR120 WEATHER ALERT RADIO

The WR120 is the gold standard of NOAA Weather Radios.

This radio features S.A.M.E. EZ location-specific alerts. It'll alert you to over 60 kinds of weather hazards and emergencies.

When the National Weather Service issues a watch or warning, the WR120 will automatically alert you, giving you the seconds you need to seek shelter.

This is your first line of alerts at home!

MIDLAND ER40 EMERGENCY CRANK RADIO

When you're on the go or lose power, the ER40 brings you alerts and information straight from the National Weather Service in your area.

With several sources of power including solar panels, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and hand crank, the ER40 is equipped to keep you up to date before, during, and after the storm.

The ER40 also features a flashlight with SOS strobe that'll help you navigate the dark and/or signal distress in an emergency.