Tornado Safety Tips

• If outdoors:  Seek shelter in a substantial building immediately.  If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.  Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.
• If at home or in a small building:  Go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the building.  Stay away from windows. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms offer the best protection.  Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with a mattress.
• If in a school, hospital, or shopping center:  Go to a pre-designated shelter area.  Stay away from large open areas and windows.  Do not go outside to your car.
• If in a high-rise building:  Go to an interior small room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.  Do not use the elevators.  Use the stairs.
• If in a mobile home or vehicle:  Get out of mobile homes or vehicles - they are easily tossed about by strong winds in the tornado.
• Take shelter in a substantial structure: If there is no shelter near-by, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.

• Have a family emergency plan – know where you will meet and how you will communicate with each other if you don’t have power or are stranded.
• Sign up for alerts that come to your phone automatically.  Local governments often have them, NY State has NY-Alert – you can sign up at alert.ny.gov and FEMA also has an app that will give anyone in the country weather alerts.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including but not limited to: dark or green skies; a rotating, funnel shaped cloud; and loud or roaring sounds.
• Pay attention to weather reports. When a tornado warning is issued get indoors and go to the basement or lower floor of a building.
• Identify and practice a safe place to shelter. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room or basement on the lowest level of a sturdy building.

• Build a disaster supply kit. Plan for your entire family, including those who may need additional assistance and your pets. 

   

What should you have on hand to survive without power for a few days?

• Gather emergency supplies such as nonperishable foods, water, flashlights, extra batteries, sanitation products, medical supplies and medication.
• Know your medical needs: talk to your medical provider for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance.

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed and when in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that may have been contaminated.
• Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid damage from an electrical surge.
• Only use generators outside and at least 20 feet away from windows. Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Debris Cleanup

• If you see downed powerlines, AVOID them. Contact local authorities or your utility company immediately.
• Be aware of your surroundings and use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around exposed debris.
• Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, eye gear, face masks, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up. These will protect you from further injury from broken glass, exposed nails, or other objects.
• Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself.
• When hiring contractors, be wary of scammers. Always verify the legitimacy of the company, check reviews, and ask for proper documentation and a receipt.
• Never burn debris; it can be toxic.
• Check with local officials about local debris collection/pickup guidance’s.