Living in tornado alley, and with tornado season knocking at the door, Washita County doesn’t take lightly to the sound of the siren, roaring of the winds and the devastating destruction that comes from tornadoes. Especially after severe twisters demonstrated their awful power like the F2 that formed northwest of town on May 22, 1981 that storm chasers nicknamed the ‘Wizard of Oz’ tornado or the ruinous F3 that ravaged the northeastern part of Cordell on Oct. 9, 2001. It’s extremely crucial that residents know what to do in the event of a tornado and how to prepare for worst-case scenario.
HOW TO PREPARE
Knowing your area’s tornado risk is helpful to better understand the likelihood of occurrence of a tornado. Create an emergency plan for where you and your family will go in the event of a tornado; be sure to include your pets to keep them protected from possible danger. It is paramount to have an emergency kit that is not only easily accessible but one that you are able to carry with you should you need to get to safety at a moments notice. Important items that are beneficial in an emergency kit are: water – at least one gallon per person per day for several days, food – several days of non-perishable items is best, flashlights, batteries, first-aid kit, and a portable phone charger. Other important items to have on hand include but not limited to are: tools such as pliers, duct tape, dust masks, whistles, blankets, money, and local maps in case cell reception is unattainable.
WHAT TO LISTEN/WATCH FOR Know the difference between a “tornado watch” and a “tornado warning.” A watch means conditions are right for a future severe thunderstorm or tornado. A warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Physical signs can also present themselves as a warning signal to seek shelter immediately. Signs such as dark greenish skies, formation of a wall cloud or approaching cloud of debris, hail, loud roaring winds that may sound similar to the sound of a freight train. Before a twister strikes, the wind may die down and the air may become very still known as “the calm before the storm.”
WHERE TO GO/HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Having appropriate and safe shelter is vital. When choosing a safe space, whether that be at your home, friend’s house or local shelter, look for a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Steer clear of said windows, doors and outside walls. According to NOAA and the Red Cross, avoid going under any overpass or bridge; you are safer in a low, flat location. You can better protect yourself by covering your head or neck with your arms and putting materials like furniture and blankets around or on top of you.
AFTERMATH OF THE STORM Wait until the storm has passed and the warning is no longer a threat and has expired to come out of your shelter. It is best to avoid damaged buildings and to stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines. Should you be able to do so, attend to injuries using supplies from your first-aid kit or call for medical help immediately if needed. Wear appropriate gear during clean-up such as thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves, use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.