|
TORNADOES
 PREPARE A HOME TORNADO PLAN
- Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement
or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
- If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a
hallway in the center of the building.
ASSEMBLE A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT
Your kit should include:
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person.
- Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so.
(Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
CLICK HERE for more Disaster Supplies Kit information.
STAY TUNED FOR STORM WARNINGS
- Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
- Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
- A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
- A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
- Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county or parish.
WHEN A TORNADO WATCH IS ISSUED
- Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
- Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you.
Many people say it sounds like a freight train.
WHEN A TORNADO WARNING IS ISSUED
- If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects.
The tornado may be approaching your area.
- If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
- If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).
AFTER THE TORNADO PASSES
- Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
- Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
- Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.
- Do not use candles at any time.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS AVAILABLE
American Red Cross of Rhode Island can provide additional materials in English and Spanish:
- "Safe Living in Your Manufactured Home" (ARC 4465) gives fire, flood, and
tornado safety information for people who live in manufactured (mobile) homes.
- "Are You Ready for a Thunderstorm?" (ARC 5009)
- "Are You Ready for a Flood or Flash Flood?" (ARC 4458)
- "Your Family Disaster Plan" (ARC 4466)
- "Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit" (ARC 4463)
Materials for Children:
- "Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book" (PDF File) (ARC 2200, English, or Spanish) for children ages 3-10.
- "Adventures of the Disaster Dudes" (ARC 5024) video and Presenter's Guide for use by an adult with children in grades 4-6.
- "After the Tornado" Coloring Book (ARC 2205, English, or ARC 2205S, Spanish)
|
