Spring Tornado Season!

Tornadoes!
DiRT (Disaster Response Team) Community Service Training

According to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms.

According to the May 31/June7, 2008 issue of World magazine, there were 159 more tornadoes in the U. S. in Jan. through Feb. this year compared to last year, and there have been 100 tornado related deaths in Jan. through May of 2008 compared to 81 in all of 2007.

Peak tornado season in the northern states runs from late spring to early summer.

Protective Measures

Be alert to changing weather conditions. Listen to radio, television, and especially NOAA Weather Radio for information.

Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible!
Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar!
Take shelter immediately!

If you are in a home or building structure:

• Go to pre-designated shelter, safe room, basement, storm cellar, or lowest building level.


• If there is no basement: go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

If you are in a vehicle, trailer, mobile home:

• Get out immediately!


• Go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter.

If you are outside with no shelter:

• Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.


• Do NOT get under an overpass or bridge.


• Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes cause most fatalities and injuries.

Remember, Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)


Ref. “Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness” FEMA, IS-22 August 2004.