Severe Weather Awareness Week: Tornado Safety

It is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa and today the Weather Service is highlighting Tornado Safety. What is a tornado? A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornadoes are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees, and hurling objects through the air like missiles. Tornadoes can occur at any time of day or night and at any time of the year.  What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?  A tornado watch means that tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies and check your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.

A tornado warning means that  a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area around the size of a city or small county that may be impacted by a tornado. 

When preparing for a severe weather event, listen to your local forecast. We here at KMAQ provide you a forecast every half hour with the latest weather information. In the event of watches or warnings tune in to KMAQ so you know if you need to seek shelter or not. Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get to quickly.  Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Also conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued. Don’t forget pets if time allows.

If a tornado warning is issued head to your tornado shelter and tune into KMAQ. You can listen on your radio, and also on the KMAQ App. We will provide coverage until the threat passes the area. Seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a mobile home or tent.  Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. The best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine.

After the tornado has passed, keep tuned to KMAQ and we will inform you of any information that we have. Let your family and friends know that you are safe. After the threat for tornadoes has ended, check to see if your property has been damaged. When walking through storm damage, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes. Contact local authorities if you see power lines down. Stay out of damaged buildings. Be aware of insurance scammers if your property has been damaged. If you come across people that are injured and you are properly trained, provide first aid to victims if needed until emergency response teams arrive.