A tornado is a violent windstorm usually characterized by a twisting, funnel
shaped cloud that is caused by a thunderstorm or a hurricane. It is produced
when a cool air mass meets a warm air mass and forces the warm air mass to rise
over the cool air mass very rapidly. Most of the damage from a tornado is a
result of high wind velocity and wind blown debris. Most tornadoes occur during
the months of March through August, but they can occur during any time of the
year. They also seem to strike in the afternoon to the evening. What you should
do and know You should know all key terms that are used to describe tornado
threats. 1. Tornado Watch- This means that tornadoes are possible and you should
stay tuned to a radio station for more reports. 2. Tornado Warning- A tornado
has been sighted and you should take shelter immediately. 3. Severe Thunderstorm
Watch- Severe thunderstorms are possible and they may bring a tornado. 4. Severe
Thunderstorm Warning- A severe thunderstorm is here and a tornado may be
present. 5. You should know the country and terrain in which you live. This is
used in identifying the location of a tornado. 6. You should know the places you
can seek shelter such as a cabin or rest area. 7. Practice doing this before you
head out into the wilderness. 8. You should have emergency supplies on hand such
as: Flashlight with extra batteries Portable battery operated radio with extra
batteries First aid kit with all supplies and manual Emergency food and water
Nonelectric can opener All essential medicines Money Sturdy, good shoes 9. Make
an inventory of all your possessions and take pictures of them so if they are
lost they you can replace them. Tornado Danger Signs Large hail Calmness before
the tornado hits Cloud of debris Funnel cloud Roaring noise Calmness and clear
skies after the tornado What to do during a tornado watch 1. Listen to your
radio for the latest weather updates. 2. Be alert for an approaching storm so
you can get ready and gather your emergency disaster materials up. If you see a
funnel cloud call your local emergency number to report it if you can. 3. Be
ready to take shelter. What to do during a tornado if you are outside If
possible get inside a building If there is no shelter nearby or there is no time
to get indoors, lie down in a ditch or a low-lying area with your hands
shielding your head. Be aware of flooding in the low lying area or ditch. What
you should do after the tornado Help any injured or trapped people Give first
aid if it is necessary and do not move any seriouly injured victims unless they
are in jeopardy of more injuries. Call for help Turn on your radio to get the
latest information Use a telephone if you have one to make any emergency calls
Did you know this... Tornadoes can be nearly invisible and only marked by
swirling debris at the base of the funnel. On average the U.S. experiences about
100,000 thunderstorms a year and out of those about 1,000 tornadoes develop.
Although tornadoes can occur throughout the world the U.S. has the most and most
devastating ones. Tornadoes produce the most violent winds in the world. Tornado
winds can be as high as 300 miles per hour, travel distances over 100 miles and
reach heights of over 60,000 feet above the ground. In 1988 121 tornadoes struck
15 south central states. This resulted in 14 deaths and damages reaching $108
million.