Severe Weather Awareness Week: Tornadoes

Tornadoes

Tornadoes-On average, Alabama ranks 13^th in the amount of tornadoes reported, but 3^rd in tornado related deaths and injuries. Last year, one person was killed in Marshall County by an EF-1 tornado, accounting for the only tornado-related fatality in Alabama in 2009. Nationally, 21 fatalities were reported

Preparing for Tornadoes

• Review your options for a tornado safe place. Find a place on the lowest floor that puts as many walls between you and the outside. If you live in a mobile home, consider alternative places to go before a tornado warning is issued.
• Practice your tornado plan. Make sure your family knows where to go, and what to do when a tornado warning is issued.
• Consider building a tornado safe room within your home.

Before a Tornado

• Monitor weather conditions, and be aware if hazardous weather is forecast for Alabama.
• Make sure your Emergency Alert Radio (Emergency Alert Radio) is set to receive alerts for Etowah County (SAME code 001055).
• Ensure that you have working flashlights and battery operated radio in case of power failure.
• Cancel or postpone travel plans if possible.

During a Tornado

• Go to your safe place. Protect your head with a pillow, helmet, or your arms.
• If inside a mobile home, a car, or if caught outside, leave and seek shelter on the lowest floor of a nearby sturdy building. If there is no sturdy building available, lie down flat in a ditch with your arms covering your head. DO NOT get under a bridge or try to outrun the tornado
• Stay sheltered until your area is cleared of its tornado warning.

Truths and Myths

Myth: Area lakes, rivers, and mountains are safe from tornadoes

Truth: No place is safe from tornadoes. A tornado near Yellowstone National Park left a path of destruction up and down a 10,000 foot mountain.

Myth: Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches/

Truth: Leave windows alone. The most important action is to immediately go to your safe place.

Myth: If you are driving and a tornado is sighted, you should turn and drive at right angles to the storm.

Truth: The best thing to do is to seek the best available shelter. Many people are injured or killed when remaining in their vehicles.

Myth: Highway overpasses provide good shelter if caught outside.

Truth: Take shelter in a sturdy building if possible. If not, a ditch or culvert provides better protection than a highway overpass.