A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. One of the most powerful forces of nature, a tornado can have rotating winds of up to 250 miles per hour and can occur at any time of year. The damage path of a tornado can be in excess of one mile wide and fifty miles long. Unfortunately, tornados occur frequently in Kentucky and thus citizens should be alert.
While watching the weather, listen for:
Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety. Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible in all areas of Kentucky. Remain alert for approaching storms.
Before a tornado:
• Develop a plan for yourself and your family for home, work, school and when outdoors, and practice with quarterly drills.
• Keep a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and a battery backup to receive warnings as part of your emergency supply kit.
• Listen to radio and television for weather information.
During the tornado:
• Move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement. Use cushions, pillows or if time permits, a mattress to cover yourself to prevent injury from flying debris.
• In a high-rise, go to the lowest level possible. Interior halls or stairwells offer the most protection. Get into a crouched position and cover your head (with your hands if you have nothing else).
• Do not use elevators during a tornado.
• If no underground shelter is available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
• Stay away from windows and DO NOT OPEN THEM.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car. Instead, seek shelter in a ditch or depression with your head covered.
• If you live in a mobile home, seek shelter elsewhere nearby.
After a tornado:
• Before traveling, check to make sure roads are open.
• Help neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, seniors, and people with disabilities.
• Help injured or trapped persons. Administer first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
• Watch for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report to 911.
• Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations and put you at further risk from the residual effects of tornadoes.
• If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe.
• When entering damaged buildings, use extreme caution. Moving through debris presents further hazards. Carefully watch every step you take. Only enter if you must.
• Wear sturdy shoes.
• Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings. Battery-powered lighting is the safest and reduces fire hazard.
• Examine walls, floors, doors, staircases, and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.
• Look for fire hazards. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline, or other flammable liquids immediately.
• Check for gas leaks.
