Take action quickly if a tornado is on its way

Tornado season has arrived in the U.S., and it’s been a hard one already.

Parts of Oklahoma, Ohio and Missouri have all experienced devastating tornadoes in recent weeks. And on May 28, powerful swirling winds ripped through northeastern Kansas, causing severe property damage and dozens of injuries.

Though tornado season runs from April through May, in recent years they’ve struck regularly in the U.S. through the beginning of summer, according to the National Weather Service. Winds can blow at over 200 miles per hour and cause major property damage, injuries and sometimes deaths.

That’s why it’s smart to prepare beforehand for the possibility of tornadoes, especially because they can strike from seemingly nowhere. You can reduce your risk of getting injured in a tornado by following some simple safety tips:

• Make and practice your emergency plans.  This should include stocking up on emergency food and water — enough to last for at least three days — as well as clothing and a first-aid kit.

• Keep important information handy, such as names, phone numbers, medical information and information for emergency services.

• Sign up for your community’s emergency alerts, which can be emailed or texted to you via your cellphone. You’ll receive automatic updates as a tornado comes your way, giving you more time to find safe shelter. Neighborhood tornado sirens will also give you a heads up.

• If you don't have a cellphone for alerts or no sirens, learn to read the sky for an approaching tornado by being aware of gathering storm clouds. The sky can look green and clouds become heavy. Sometimes funnels can be seen at a distance.

• Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning when issued by weather agencies.  A tornado watch means a tornado is a possibility.  Once a tornado has been spotted, a tornado warning is issued. That’s when you need to take immediate action.

• Get ready to shelter in place. Go to a basement or to the lowest floor possible in a structure.  If that’s not an option, go to a room without windows

Still have questions about tornadoes? Get more info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and read our Get Ready tornado fact sheet. 

Photo by Randy Milanovic