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Tornado Safety BasicsSEASONAL SAFETY T201106-01

©2011 Bongarde

• Tornado season in North Americabegins in April

• Peaks in June and July, and ends in September• Storms can occur at any time• 1,000 in the United States• 80 in Canada each year

WHAT’S AT STAKE

• Move as fast as 70 miles per hour (112km/h)

• Winds of more than 250 mph (400 km/h)

• Cause many deaths and injuries every year

• Great deal of property damage• Can develop very rapidly• Reduce the risk to personal

safety and property

WHAT’S THE DANGER

• Tornadoes swept through the southern United States

• Approximately 300 people were killed• Approximately 150 tornadoes on that

one day alone

EXAMPLE

• Some tornadoes occur without a tornado warning• Sometimes the warnings are missed• Important to recognize these signs

of a tornado:• Powerful thunderstorms• Strong rotation in a cloud base• Whirling dust and debris• Precipitation followed by calm or wind shift• A loud and continuous roar• Power lines being snapped

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

What to Do When a Tornado is Coming:• Listen to your radio• Don’t panic• Follow directions for getting to shelter• Secure objects such as garbage cans• Injuries and deaths result from flying debris

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

What to Do When a Tornado is Coming:• Take cover• Go to the basement• Crouch down under the stairs• Do not take an elevator• Go into the closet• Underneath a sturdy piece of furniture• Stay away from windows and outside doors

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

What to Do When a Tornado is Coming:• Not below heavy objects on a floor above you• Protect your head with your hands• If you are driving, safely park your car

• Get to a building• Get away from the car• Lie flat and face down in low ground• Stay far from other cars or trees

• Avoid being in a building with a wide-span roof

HOW TOPROTECT YOURSELF

Final Word

Tornadoes can occur so quickly there is little time to get to shelter or pack an emergency kit.

Protect yourself and your family by planning ahead what you’ll do if a tornado strikes.