Kara Rhoads, Property Management Intern Tornado Safety Kara Rhoads, Property Management Intern

Awareness Here are some videos my personal friend, Isaac Duncan, took while taking cover from the Joplin, MO. tornado of 2011 First person account of taking cover: http://youtu.be/cQnvxJZucds Aftermath of where they took cover: http://youtu.be/W-P4P68YyNM Interview: http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/23/surreal-moment-in-joplin-store-freezer-storm-drowns-out-shrieks-prayer/ Dangerous storms happen quickly. You must be prepared to think on your feet, like the individuals in the videos.

When/Where do Tornados have a likelihood of occurring? Tornados typically occur from 3p.m.- 9p.m. during the Spring and Summer months of these locations.

Risk Factor Eureka, IL. 2004 - F4

It Can Happen To You February ‘11 March ‘11 April ‘11 May ‘11

Being Prepared for a Tornado Prepare a plan in advance (NOW!) if you do not have one. Families with plans are calmer and operate quickly. Plan should consist of where to seek shelter Basement Most interior room without windows Bathtubs in bathrooms on the first floor In closets underneath stairwells Choose small rooms because they are less susceptible to collapsing Avoid southern and western walls because that is usually where the tornado and high winds will be coming from Rule to Remember: Put as many floors (first) and walls (second) between you and the tornado

Being Prepared for a Tornado Your plan should also consist of a meeting place after the storm incase your family is not together when the storm hits An out-of-state relative should be dedicated as the contact for all family members after the storm. It is easier to call long distance or text immediately following a disaster than it is calling local.

Safety Kit The American Red Cross suggests that you assemble a "disaster supplies kit" that you keep in your shelter area. The kit should contain: Cash and credit cards Written instructions on how to turn off your homes utilities Identification and important papers for recovering after the storm Helmets- They can protect your head from flying debris Blankets, pillows, or mattresses to shield yourself A first aid kit with essential medication in addition to the usual items A battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries Canned and other non-perishable foods and a hand-operated can opener Bottled water Sturdy shoes and work gloves

Watch vs. Warning WARNING= means there has been an actual tornado spotted/reported and it is a WARNING for you to take cover immediately! (tornados happen in a matter of seconds so do not waste any time) WATCH= means conditions are favorable for tornadic weather

During Severe Weather Stay as calm as possible Watch and listen for signs of a tornado, including: Extremely dark or discolored green skies with oddly shaped rotating clouds Hail Tornado sirens High winds that throw dust in a sporadic pattern Loud roar (like a freight train or jet) that does not stop quickly

Know your Location Make sure to know your surrounding counties to the west and south so you can track where the weather or tornado will move. Can you find Brazos?

What if your in a car during a tornado? DO NOT: STAY INSIDE YOUR CAR IF A TORNADO IS COMING AT YOU TRY TO OUT RUN THE TORNADO HIDE UNDER AN OVERPASS (BEING ABOVE GROUND LEVEL IS NOT SMART IN TORNADOS) DO: Seek sturdy shelter (only if you have time) If no shelter is near, get out of your car and find the lowest lying land nearby (ditch or ravine) to lay flat down in. Cover your head and neck with your hands Proof!

Mobile Homes Use the SAME rules stated for Cars if you are caught in a Mobile Home Mobile homes are not safe in tornados even if tied down.

Aftermath Treat small injuries with first aid kits Do not move anyone who is badly injured Beware of possible injury during recovery efforts as well Beware of fire hazards (Gas leaks are common as well as electrical fires after tornados so get out of dangerous areas.) Check on all neighbors to see if they need help but do not enter unsteady structures (wait for authorities)

Aftermath Volunteer your help to others in recovery efforts if able. Watch for down power lines Keep phone use to a minimum. For more: http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/recovering_from_disaster.shtm