Yesterday, a tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma and flattened the suburb. Homes, businesses and schools were destroyed. The tornado also ripped families apart as the death toll currently rests at 24, with 240 injured, 60 of them children and 2 dozen children still missing.
The tornado was ranked as an EF4 twister; the second most powerful type of tornado on the fujita scale with winds hitting up to 200 MPH. Residents were only given a short 16 minute warning to take shelter from this roaring twister that traveled the ground for nearly an hour.
Tornadoes season is generally in the spring and summer with most of it's devastation happening in “Tornado Alley.” With tornadoes being able to happen anywhere at any time, it is important that everyone in the family, even small children, know what to do when these events occur so everyone can stay safe.
Let’s start with the basics between watch and warning. A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in the area. Make sure to keep the news or radio on to keep informed about its whereabouts. A tornado warning is when the siren goes off and it means a funnel has been spotted or one has touched ground level. When sirens go off, it's important to take cover immediately in areas away from glass, sharp objects and in a lowest possible space to the ground.
Tornadoes are quick. Even if it has yet to touch down, don’t underestimate them. Tornadoes can touch down anywhere between 5-25 minutes, and once it’s touched down, it can travel fast, have a wide base and can change directions at anytime. So please don’t try to chase them, because they may end up chasing you.
Tornadoes are quick. Even if it has yet to touch down, don’t underestimate them. Tornadoes can touch down anywhere between 5-25 minutes, and once it’s touched down, it can travel fast, have a wide base and can change directions at anytime. So please don’t try to chase them, because they may end up chasing you.
Before a tornado happens in your area, make sure to put together an emergency kit for instances like yesterday. In this kit have first aid equipment, food (protein bars, granola bars, beef jerky, etc.), prescriptions, a battery operated radio, extra batteries, flashlights, water, blankets and can opener for canned food. If there are babies that are generally at your location (home, day care center, etc.), make sure to have diapers and baby formula as well.
Once a kit is put together, sit down with everyone and go over what is in the kit and where it will be located so when emergency situations like this happen, it can be grabbed while rushing to take shelter. It's important to have drills whether at a home, school or business so everyone is prepared.
When sirens occur, everyone should head to the lowest ground possible with the emergency kit, whether it be a basement or an interior room if there is no basement. Huddle under a strong piece of furniture if possible too so if anything falls, it will fall on the furniture instead of the people. If you're in a mobile home or you are caught driving your car during these storms, get out of them. They will not protect you. Try to run to the nearest home, cellar, store or whatever shelter is available near you. If there is nothing around, head to a ditch or the lowest ground possible and lie down flat. Do not go anywhere near power lines or damaged areas. Just because they've already been damaged doesn't mean they can't get hit again.
Do not exit the shelter you've taken cover in until after the sirens have been turned off and after you are sure the storms are over. Once out, use the flashlight to help search for injured or trapped people.
Tornadoes are never just a storm. They can happen in the matter of minutes and change lives drastically. It is important that everyone, no matter the age or location, knows what to do when the siren goes off.
