FIVE THINGS TO KNOW THIS TORNADO SEASON

With tornado season well underway this year, it’s important for residents to remember what to do in the event of a tornado. There are plenty of ways to stay safe and be prepared and below are just some of the things you should keep in mind for this year’s tornado season.

WHERE TO GO

Having appropriate shelter during a tornado is important. Whether it’s in your own home or at a local storm shelter, it’s important to know where to go in case a tornado is approaching

Should you find yourself without proper shelter from the storm, depending on where you are here are some tips on what you can do to stay safe.

Washita County’s Emergency Management Director Kenneth Trent advises residents to, “be weather aware... Know and meet your surrounding neighbors to ensure that you have a place to go... Cometogether as a community and help each other out.”Having a designated room for shelter is important should you not have a designated proper shelter. Getting to the basement, central hallway, or bathroom can be your next best bet. Being in a room without windows and away from outside walls is your next best option.Being in a mobile home can prove especially dangerous and is highly discouraged, therefore, having a preselected place to shelter is important.

If you’re out driving do not attempt to outrun a tornado. Taking shelter under an overpass is discouraged by NOAA and the Red Cross.

If shelter is nearby and you can get there on time it is recommended you do so, however, if not possible, you should stay in your car and buckle up.

WHAT TO LISTEN TO/WATCH

Sirens are the first sign of the impending dangers of a tornado, however, the ability to know ahead of time is now at the tip of our fingertips.

While media outlets on T.V. can keep us updated a few days before a storm is formed, weather apps can be downloaded onto your phone that can keep you up to date should you be unable to watch on cable television.

Listening to radio stations is also a viable option should you need it. The NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards broadcasts continuous weather information.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Physical signs from the storms can also present themself and warn of a possible storm.

Things such as dark greenish skies, wall clouds being formed, swirling winds and rotations in the clouds, and a loud roaring wind can all be signs of an incoming tornado.

Should these conditions persist, the area will be put under either a tornado watch or warning.

A watch indicates that weather conditions are possible to produce a tornado, however, a warning indicates that a tornado has been reported and that you should find shelter as soon as you can.

“Pay attention to the weather throughout the day, and don’t chance it,” Trent advised.

WHAT TO HAVE READY

Having an emergency kit ready can be important should you find yourself having to seek shelter in a matter of minutes.

Flashlights, radio, and batteries, are just some of the things to have handy when taking shelter from a tornado.

Water, food, medication, and so on, are all important things to have that can benefit after a storm has passed.

Having your phone ready and charged is also important as your phone could become your primary form of getting weather updates.

A few other important items to have handy include but are not limited to: tools such as pliers, duct tape, dust masks, whistles, first aid kits, water, blankets, money, and local maps.

It is also to keep your pets in mind during a storm and having a proper plan in place for them to join you in sheltering can be important.

AFTER THE STORM

Once the storm has passed, keeping calm can prove handy for dealing with the aftermath of the storm.

While you’ll likely want to make sure your family and friends are safe, make sure your surrounding area is safe as well.

Checking for damage around the property can help you identify any potentially harmful debris. Possible downed power lines are also something to keep an eye out for.

Ultimately, it is recommended to stay sheltered in place until the tornado warning has expired.

Continuing to listen to the local news or an NOAA Weather Radio can help keep you updated on what to do next.

Once you’ve assessed the situation in your surrounding area, checking on your family and tending to any injuries should be next should you be able to do so.