AEDC Safety encourages tornado preparedness

It is that time of the year again.

Although the weather is beginning to feel much more delightful, it is also the perfect breeding ground for tornadoes. While tornadoes can happen any time of the year, their peak season is from March through June with more than half of the yearly tornadoes occurring during this period. Tornadoes can cause widespread damage, including power outages, catastrophic property damage and even death. Watching forecasts, being educated on the different signs and warnings, and having a safety plan in place are key to safety for you and your family

What is a tornado? A tornado is a narrow and violently rotating column of air and wind extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. Wind is invisible. Therefore, sometimes a tornado is hard to spot unless it forms a condensation funnel made up of rain, dust and debris. Tornadoes are one of the most violent atmospheric storms that we experience. Tornado severity can range widely, deepening on a few factors.

“Tornado intensity is measured by the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, which rates tornadoes on a scale of 0-5 based on the amount and type of wind damage,” According to the Insurance Information Institute. “The scale ranges from EF0 tornadoes with winds of 65-85 miles an hour to EF5 tornadoes with winds exceeding 200 miles an hour.”

Below is an example of the Fujita scale and how tornado intensity is measured:

The Fujita Scale for Tornadoes

(1) Original scale: wind speeds represent fastest estimated speeds over one quarter of a mile.
(2) Enhanced scale: wind speeds represent maximum 3-second gusts.

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

An important piece of information to remember when preparing for severe weather is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A tornado watch means a tornado is possible due to the weather being favorable for tornado formation. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by the weather radar.

You should immediately seek shelter during a tornado warning. Some tornadoes strike quickly without time for a tornado warning, so it is important to know the signs of a tornado.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the following are signs a tornado may be approaching:

• Approaching cloud of debris
• Rotating funnel cloud
• Dark or green-colored sky
• Large, dark, low-lying cloud
• Large hail
• Loud roar sounding like a freight train

It is important to plan in the event of severe weather. Be sure everyone in the home, including children, are aware of what a tornado is and how and where to seek safety during a tornado warning.

Take a few minutes to develop a tornado emergency plan:

• Identify a safe place within the home for household members and pets to gather during a tornado. These can include:

• A storm cellar
• A basement
• An inside room without windows on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, center hallway).

• Make sure everyone understands the tornado warning alarms in the area.
• Teach your family how to administer basic first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher, and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in the home.
• Learn the emergency dismissal policies for local schools.
• Store important information in a secure location.
• Take things off the walls.
• Move furniture away from windows.
• Create an emergency supply kit including battery powered flashlights and a radio.

Because severe weather can be unsettling, it is important to have a plan and be ready to put the plan into action when the weather becomes severe.

Stay aware and enjoy the delightful weather as we head into summer!