How to Prepare for a Tornado

Tornadoes are one of the most dangerous weather phenomena on Earth. They are caused by powerful thunderstorms that release energy into the atmosphere, creating strong winds that can cause a wide range of damage.

Tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, but none are more common than the United States and Canada. This is because of the region’s climate and topography. In North America, for example, the warm, moist air that spawns tornadoes travels south from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes.

The weather pattern that spawns tornadoes is not predictable, and even the best storm forecasters cannot predict which area will be hit by a tornado. This is why it is important to prepare a tornado emergency kit, listen to local weather radio stations and news outlets, and take cover in a safe location, both inside and outside your home.

Preparing an Emergency Kit
The first step is to prepare your family and yourself. Make sure everyone knows where to find your emergency kit and how to access it during a storm. Also, make a list of your specific needs, limitations, capabilities, and medications. Ideally, keep this list in your purse or wallet so that you can refer to it if you need it during an emergency.

Create a Plan for Shelter
When it comes to sheltering during a tornado, the United States government suggests you seek shelter in a building with a basement or other structure that has no windows or is built without the use of wood. This is especially true if you are outdoors or live in a manufactured home.

Once in shelter, it is essential to protect yourself from flying debris and stay calm as the tornado takes shape. Avoid touching the ground or stepping on moving debris, as this could cause serious injury.

Inspect your shelter regularly to see if there are any leaks or cracks in the walls that could let in rain or snow. Seal any openings with duct tape, or wrap pipes and wires in aluminum foil to prevent water from entering the shelter.

Be alert to changes in your surroundings when a tornado is near by listening to your local news and weather radio stations and relying on NOAA weather radar for a detailed picture of the situation.

Know What to Look For
The most obvious sign of a tornado is a funnel cloud that extends downward from the base of a thunderstorm cloud. This is known as a condensation funnel and is generally made of water droplets that are mixed with dust or other debris from the ground.

However, the size of the funnel may vary during a tornado due to the intensity and moisture content of the wind, the properties of the ground, and the surrounding environment. The rear flank downdraft (RFD), a strong downward rush of air from the back of the storm that descends along with the tornado, is another telltale sign of a tornado.