My Weather Connection

Here are some tornado preparedness and safety tips from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

What to do before a tornado:

Designate a location for shelter.
Have a disaster supply kit on hand containing:
• First aid kit with essential medications
• Flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• At least a three-day supply of food and water
• Various tools and supplies including a non-electric can opener
• Sturdy shoes and work gloves
• Cash/credit cards
• Copy of important family documents
  
  During a tornado:
  
  
• If at home, go to a basement or storm cellar, away from windows. If neither basement nor storm cellar is available, find shelter under a piece of sturdy furniture.
• If at home, go to a basement or storm cellar, away from windows.
• If at work or school, go to the basement or inside a hallway at the lowest level. Avoid auditoriums, gymnasiums, cafeterias or large hallways.
• If in a vehicle, never try to outrun a tornado. Get out of the vehicle immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. If there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area.
• If outdoors, get inside a building, if possible. If unable to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area. Use arms to protect head and neck and stay low to the ground.
  
  After a tornado:
  
  
• Check for injured or trapped persons
• Give first aid when appropriate. Don''t try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
• Listen for emergency information
• Use the telephone only in an emergency
• Be alert to fire hazards such as broken electrical wires or damaged electrical equipment, gas or oil leaks, or smoldering piles of wet hay or feed.
• Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities
• Do not shut off utilities unless instructed to do so by local officials or if there is immediate danger from a gas leak.

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