Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado.
The northern Illinois area has even more reason to respect and fear the power of tornados. On a Friday afternoon, April 21, 1967, tornadoes ripped through northern Illinois, taking 58 lives and injuring over 1,000. The property damage estimates were in excess of $50 million. Rated F-4 on the Fujita Scale, the three tornadoes responsible for the deaths and the damage reached winds speeds of 207-260 mph.
Advance Planning
Conduct tornado drills each tornado season.
Discuss with family members the difference between a "tornado watch" and a "tornado warning."
Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on tornadoes.
Have disaster supplies on hand.
Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during a tornado (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Tornado Watches and Warnings
A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located, and listen to the radio or television for further developments.
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
Mobile Homes are particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is not available, lie in ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit.
Tornado Danger Signs
Learn these tornado danger signs:
During the Tornado
If at work or school:
If outdoors:
If in a car:
Inspecting Utilities in a Damaged Home
Check for gas leaks - If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
Look for electrical system damage - If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
Check for sewage and water lines damage - If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.
Fujita Tornado Scale
F-0: 40-72 mph, chimney damage, tree branches broken
Visit one of the most interesting tornado sites on the Internet at
ComPortOne Weather Home Page The majority of the preceding information was reprinted from FEMA [Federal Emergency Medical Assistance]. Government information is public domain. The graphics are also from FEMA.
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Ever since Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz, people have been fascinated with tornados. Unfortunately, when a tornado is coming, you have only a short amount of time to make life-or-death decisions. Spending even a few minutes frozen in awe of the sheer strength and power unleashed by a tornado could cost your life.