We’re In the Season !

Friday, April 9th, 2010 at 4:32 pm

Of Tornados.

I think you all know well what a tornado is… but if not, they are violent columns of air coming from strong storms, and these columns of air, may or may not touch the earth .

NOW is the season for them here in Texas, but there are actually two times in the year they may happen: March to June and autumn, September-October … But they have hit the ground in Texas in December and January also.

What can you do then to protect yourself…?

Choose a place in your home on the ground, such as the basement, a closet or a bathroom, and keep this place filled with the least possible things, because they will fly!

If you live in the upstairs of a house or apt., go to the most protective place in a hall.

Keep an emergency kit in this space with EVERYTHING that you would need for at least 3 days.

There are tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS.

What is the difference?

WATCH : There is the possibility of one coming.

WARNING : One has been seen and is moving into your area. GO TO SAFETY IMMEDIATELY!

In the case of a WARNING go your designated place and protect yourself from glass or flying objects.

One of my English teachers here taught us to put metal buckets over your head and get into the bathtub. When I remember that image, I always laugh to myself. I say: pillows will also serve the purpose.

If you’re outdoors run to some basement or a strong building and lay on the ground as low as possible or in a ditch. If you’re in a car, trailer or motor home, immediately run for safety. They will not protect you.

After the tornado passes: beware of unstable or falling objects and stay away from the area where it passed.

Do not forget to put a flashlight in the emergency kit because if a tornado comes during the night, you might really need it to inspect your home. NEVER NEVER USE CANDLES!

A small battery powered radio can also be very useful at a time like this because almost certainly there will be no electric power.

The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC)