August 07, 2024
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.
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!
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!
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.