Stay safe during tornado

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Tornadoes can be dangerous weather forces and carry the possibility of taking lives and destroying personal property.

Knowing the signs of a tornado and the procedures to follow during a watch or warning, could improve individual's chances to survive a tornado.

A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible, while a warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

Here are some signs a tornado is near:
· A strong and persistent rotation in a cloud base.
· Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base -- tornadoes sometimes have no funnel.
· Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can't be seen.
· Loud, continuous roar or rumble-those that don't fade in a few seconds like thunder.

Here are some procedures to follow during a tornado watch:
· Notify all personnel that a tornado watch has been issued.
· Secured all windows.
· Close all curtains and blinds.
· Tie down any loose equipment or move it inside.
· Monitor radio and television stations for weather updates.
· Use common sense and good judgment.
· Be prepared to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued. On base, a three-to-five minute steady tone will sound when a warning is issued.

Here are some procedures to follow during a tornado warning if inside:
· Go to the lowest level in the building.
· Go to the center of an interior room.
· Take cover under a table or desk.

Here are some procedures to follow during a tornado warning if outside:
· If driving, exit the car.
· Take cover in a building, if possible.
· Take cover in a ditch or low-lying area.
· Cover head with arms.
· Never try to outdrive tornados.

For more information, read the 22nd ARW Shelter-In-Place Guide. For further information, people should call their unit emergency management representatives.