Beech Lake Apartments

A bit of tornado info as we approach the spring:

Watch vs. Warning - What's the difference? 
  
A tornado watch is issued when there is a threat of large hail, damaging wind, and the possibility of multiple tornadoes.


A tornado warning is issued when a tornado (or sometimes a funnel cloud) has been spotted or is denoted by radar. When a tornado warning is issued for your area you should seek shelter immediately.


Tornado Safety Tips:

Before a Tornado
•To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
•Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
•Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
•Look for the following danger signs: 
•Dark, often greenish sky
•Large hail
•A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
•Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
•If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately

During a Tornado
If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately!  Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head. If available, put on a bicycle or motorcycle helmet to protect yourself from head injuries.

If you are in: 
A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)


Then:
 •Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
•In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
•If available, put on a bicycle or motorcycle helmet to protect yourself from head injuries.
•Put on sturdy shoes.
•Do not open windows.

If you are in:
A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home
Then:
Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. 


If you are in:
The outside with no shelter


Then:
•Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
•Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
•Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
•Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.



For addition information regarding tornado safety visit: www.ready.gov/tornadoes