VIRGINIA TORNADO HISTORY. . . DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO?

VIRGINIA TORNADO HISTORY. . . DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO?

3/1/2017 (Permalink)

And It Says Tornado Warning!

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management claims that “Nationally, the U.S. averages more than 800 tornadoes per year. Tornadoes can strike anywhere in the U.S., during any month and any time of day. Virginia has seen as few as one tornado in a year (1982) to as many as 84 tornadoes (2004), Virginia Tornado History It can happen here. It could happen to you. Be prepared by knowing what to do when a tornado threatens”.

GET YOUR FAMILY READY FOR A TORNADO

Know the lingo, the terms:
Tornado Watch: A tornado is possible in your area. You should monitor weather-alert apps on your mobile devices, radios, local radio, and TV stations for information.
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted in the area or has been indicated by National Weather Service Doppler radar. When a warning is issued, take cover immediately.
You need to have a plan now of where you will go when that tornado warning is issued. This place should be kept uncluttered.
Storm cellars, basements offer the best protection.
Go to a windowless interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
If in a high rise building, you should pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
A trailer, mobile home, or vehicle does not provide good protection. Go to a sturdy building, or lie down in a ditch away from your home, and cover your head with your hands. Mobile homes are extremely unsafe and vulnerable during tornadoes.
Keep an emergency supply kit in your safe location.
Practice a tornado drill at least once a year.

IF YOU ARE AWAY FROM HOME. . . TAKE THESE STEPS

Go to a shopping mall, a gym or a civic center. Try to get into a restroom or an interior hallway. If there is no time, get up against something that will deflect falling debris. Protect your head by covering it with your arms.
Get out of your car or truck and try to find shelter inside a sturdy building. A ditch or culvert can provide shelter when there is no building nearby. Lie down flat and cover your head with your hands. You are safer in a low, flat location. Bridges or overpasses are a no no.

The National Weather Service says that “there is no such thing as guaranteed safety inside a tornado. Freak accidents happen; and the most violent tornadoes can level and blow away almost any house and its occupants. Extremely violent EF5 tornadoes are very rare. Most tornadoes are actually much weaker and can be survived. See more Tornado Safety ideas from the NOAA.