| Tornados
Tornadoes
have been reported in every state, and though they generally
occur during spring and summer, they can happen any
time of the year. While tornadoes can occur at any time
of the day or night, they are most likely to occur between
3:00 and 9:00 p.m. There are no areas immune to tornadoes;
they have been reported in mountains and valleys, over
deserts and swamps, from the Gulf Coast into Canada,
in Hawaii and even Alaska. Regardless of the location
or time of year, if conditions are right, a tornado
can happen. Over 1,000 tornadoes are reported annually
nationwide, and as our tornado detection systems improve,
more are being reported each year. However, sometimes
tornadoes will develop in areas in which no tornado
watch or warning is in effect, so stay alert for changing
weather conditions.
Before
the Storm:
- Develop
a plan for you and your family for home, work, , school
and when outdoors.
- Have
frequent drills.
- Know
the county/parish in which you live, and keep a highway
map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.
- Have
a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and
battery back-up to receive warnings.
- Listen
to radio and television for information.
- If
planning a trip outdoors, listen to the latest forecasts
and take necessary action if threatening weather is
possible.
If a Warning is issued or if threatening
weather approaches:
- In a home or building, move to a
pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
- If an underground shelter is not
available, move to an interior room or hallway on
the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
- Stay away from windows.
- Get out of automobiles.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado in
your car; instead, leave it immediately.
- Mobile homes, even if tied down,
offer little protection from tornadoes and should
be abandoned.
Occasionally,
tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is
not possible. Remain alert for signs of an approaching
tornado. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most deaths
and injuries.
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