Tag Archives: Tornado

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

PAY ATTENTION TO TORNADO WARNINGS!

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As residents recover from the damage caused by the recent storms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration urges recovery workers, employers and the public to exercise caution during cleanup efforts. OSHA will be providing on-site compliance assistance to workers and the public about the hazards they may encounter, as well as the steps they should take to stay safe. Hazards involved in cleanup work may include exposure to contaminated water or food; heat exhaustion; downed electrical wires; carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical shock from portable generators, and dangers while tree-trimming or working at heights. 

According to the NOAA Satellite and Information Systems, here are the classifications of wind speeds: 

  •        EF-1 =   86-110 mph
  •        EF-2 =  111-135 mph
  •        EF-3 =  136-165 mph
  •        EF-4 =  166-200 mph
  •        EF-5 =  over 200 mph 

It is hard to imagine how anything remains standing in winds that strong. According to experts, there’s no wind on earth stronger than winds inside a tornado.  It’s amazing that more people escaped injury; they had advance notice that allowed them to be better prepared, due to correct weather warnings.  This serves as a reminder to all of us to do the following: 

  1.       Know the hazards of dangerous weather.
  2.       Pay attention to forecasts.
  3.       Have a plan to stay safe.  Think about what you will do in case of a natural disaster and be prepared. 

The storms that produced several tornadoes Sunday in Oklahoma and Kansas prompted an unusually blunt warning from the central region of the National Weather Service, which covers 14 states: 

“You could be killed if not underground or in a tornado shelter,” it said. “Complete destruction of neighborhoods, businesses and vehicles will occur. Flying debris will be deadly to people and animals.”   

Pat Slattery, National Weather Service spokesman for the U.S. Central region, said the advisory was part of a new warning system being tested after a violent tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011, killing 158 people and injuring hundreds. 

Slattery said the new advisory was reserved for severe tornadoes with the potential to form into “supercell” storms, which produce powerful winds and flash flooding. Supercells are considered to be the most dangerous of four categories of storms because of the extreme weather they generate. 

A recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration assessment of the Joplin storm found that “when people heard the first tornado warning, they did not immediately seek shelter. They looked for a secondary source to confirm the tornado,” Slattery said. “That got some people killed.” 

For those emergency response workers and volunteers, be sure that you are wearing the appropriate safety equipment, for the hazards involved.  Have a good supply of fresh drinking water, hand sanitizer, and first aid supplies in case of cuts or scratches.  May Mother Nature slow down a little bit on introducing us to spring tornadoes.  We would prefer that they stay away completely.  It is doubtful that this will happen, so be prepared, and pay attention to warnings from your weather system.  They know what they are talking about!

Please note: I prepared this article yesterday, probably during the same time that the horrible tornado was rumbling toward Moore, Oklahoma.  Search and rescue workers and volunteers were scrambling to try to locate school children, as the tornado devastated two elementary schools.  Work continued through the night. The County Medical Examiner has released the number of dead, and then revised it, so through the day, we will have more accurate figures.  My article was  intended to help us pay attention to weather warnings.  Our county was in a tornado warning for several hours last night, but we escaped any damage in our small town. I don’t know about the other part of the county.

This is a very frightening season for those who live in areas prone to develop tornadoes.  Please pray for the parents, grandparents, children and all citizens of Moore, Oklahoma, many who have lost loved ones, and their possessions.  pb

 

Department of Labor; Reuters News Service

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

TORNADO SAFETY WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW (GUEST POST)

By Brandon Allred 

Everyone should know about tornado safety, even those who do not live in areas that are highly prone to these devastating acts of nature. Tornados are serious storms that can ruin everything in their path. This is why knowing what to do before, during and after a tornado is of great importance. It can mean the difference between life and death.

Before the Tornado

If the weather conditions are ripe for a tornado to develop than your area will come under a tornado watch. At this point all you really have to do is keep an eye on the weather in case the watch turns into a warning. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been spotted in or near your area. This is when it becomes important to begin the steps of safety and protection. Before a tornado hits you should be ready to take cover. This is when a family tornado safety program comes in handy. Practice your plans with tornado drills so everyone understands what to do and think in advance about the place you will be the safest in your home. Make sure that you have a tornado kit filled with flashlights, water, food (non-perishable), band aids and other first aid supplies. It is also a good idea to have a weather radio that relies on batteries for power.

Where to Take Cover

Tip 1:

If you are in a place where there is a basement you should go there and get under something sturdy. This will help protect you from anything that falls. Basements or any other part of a home that is underground is the best place to be during a tornado.

Tip 2:

If no basement is available then stay on the first floor of the building in a room that has no outside walls. This is usually a bathroom or closet. Stay clear of windows and outside walls as these parts of buildings are the most vulnerable during a tornado.

Tip 3:

If there is no basement or rooms with no outside walls (such as in a mobile home) it is best to seek shelter elsewhere. Go to a designated tornado shelter or the home of a friend or family member that is considered safe (or at least safer) than a mobile home.

Tip 4:

Never take shelter in a vehicle. If you are already driving when the warning occurs or you see a tornado, pull over and get out. Vehicles are easily picked up and tossed during tornados. Instead you should get into a ditch or a drainage pipe. While it is not a good idea to try to out drive a tornado, if you can do so from right angles away from the storm you may be okay to do so.

Tip 5:

If you have no other choice because you are caught off guard, lie in a bathtub and pull a mattress over the top of you for protection. Some people have also survived by tying themselves to the sink pipes in their homes to stop them from being pulled into the tornado. However, this does not protect you from falling debris.

After a Tornado

Always stay in your safe place until after you are sure that the storm has passed. Listen to your radio for the latest weather information. When it is safe to emerge check to see if there are any electrical or gas damaged areas. When you go outside be on the lookout for fallen power lines and report any to the proper authorities. Also report any injuries immediately. Steer clear from any rubble and wait for help to arrive if it is needed. Knowing all of this puts you in a better position to survive a tornado.

There was a time when tornado season was typically in the spring.  One never knows when the conditions are just right for one to strike, so pay attention to these tips just in case. Pat

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

2012 TORNADO SEASON BLOWS IN TOO SOON!

If it’s a tornado or severe thunderstorm – NEVER is too soon!  It seems very early for twisters, but on the last day of February, into the morning hours of March 1st, at least 18 tornadoes left their aftermaths in the states of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, and Indiana.  These terrible tornadoes were spawned by a powerful storm system that blew in from the Rockies on Tuesday.  The latest death count was 12 persons, with more expected, as several severe injuries were reported; rescue efforts are being made throughout the hardest hit places, whether small towns or cities.  Branson, Missouri, was ravaged, as hotels and theaters were hit just days before their tourist season starts.  According to news sources, Branson would be host to around 60,000 visitors on any given day during their busy season. Harrisburg, Illinois, experienced an EF4 tornado, the second-highest rating given to twisters based on damage.  Scientists say it was 200 yards wide with winds up to 170 mph.  According to the National Weather Service, more tornado watches are in effect today for Kentucky and Tennessee.  Last year, tornadoes killed 550 people in the United States, and caused $28.7 billion in damages.  Mississippi and Alabama were hit especially hard. 

In an article written last April by Bryan Walsh, about “The Hows and Whys of A Possibly Record-Breaking Tornado Month”, the focus was on April, 2011, going down as a record-breaking month for tornadoes, even worse than April, 1954, when an estimated 407 tornadoes struck. April 27, 2011, saw 139 separate tornadoes being reported on that one day, ripping through Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia, killing at least 200 people.  April 3, 1974,  a tornado that killed 315 people was reported.  Walsh continues: “Those statistics don’t convey the sheer terror and destruction brought on by these storms.”

Everyone wants to know: What Is Causing It? 

Andrew Freedman of the Washington Post’s great Capital Weather blog, explains the conditions behind monster tornadoes.  “In order for tornadoes to form, several factors have to combine in just the right way:

  • warm and humid atmosphere;
  • strong jet stream winds;
  • atmospheric wind shear;
  • a mechanism to ignite this violatile mixture of ingredients –a cold front.

 Many folks want to know is if climate change plays a role in those tornadoes, and if the world continues warming, will we see more destructive cyclones like these?  As Bryan Walsh states, even scientists don’t know.  Many of the tornadoes would have been missed by meteorologists in earlier days before Doppler radar and the Weather Channel.  Now, experts could almost never overlook an actual tornado touchdown, no matter how weak or brief.  Warmer temperatures and more moisture will give storm systems  much more energy to play with, like adding nitroglycerin to the atmosphere.  Waters of the Gulf of Mexico are warm, and feed moisture northward to storm systems as they move across the country, and when that moisture meets cold, dry air from the Plains, can result in some powerful weather conditions.

We have previously talked about being prepared by having a home safety kit ready.  Last year, I subscribed to a weather alert system from a Dallas TV Station, and it works great.  This system provides us with a timely alert by email, landline, and cell phone.  When both phones start ringing at the same time, we know a familiar meteorologist is giving us warning to seek shelter with information as to a severe thunderstorm watch or warning, or tornado watch or warning.  We must be as prepared as possible, although there may not be time to take anything out of your home but yourself and your pets.  Please do not get in a car to try to outrun a tornado.  Find a safe spot in your home, away from windows, either in a hallway or bathroom.  For any emergency, it’s a good idea to have medications and nonperishable food, along with three days supply of water, ready in a container if you must leave your home.  Keep first aid kits, in your home and car.  If you are outdoors, experts advise you to seek shelter, (storm cellar or basement.)  If that isn’t possible, get in a ditch, or the lowest place you can find, and not under an underpass. 

We must remember that tornadoes and other stormy seasons have always been with us.  We can keep people from being killed by those storms through better forecasting, better building and better emergency preparation.  We have actually improved over the years through National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration statistics showing that the number of Americans killed by tornadoes  per capita has steadily declined since the 1920’s.  A warmer world may cause us to experience more severe weather, and a more populated world will mean more people at risk from those events.  Therefore, we need to encourage lawmakers to support vital agencies like the NOAA and National Weather Service in disaster preparation and response, rather than impose budget cuts.  For people in the south and Midwest, these entities’ remaining strong is of the utmost importance.  The entire country needs to know they can count on these important warning services. 

Source: Bryan Walsh,  ABC News, Ft Worth Star-Telegram

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

STORM SAFETY TIPS

Because our area of the United States has been hit by thunderstorms and tornadoes lately, we decided it might be a good idea to review some safety tips, just in case.  The first lesson, of course, is to be prepared for any disaster.  We think we are prepared, but are we really?  Have you taken these precautions?

BEFORE THE STORM:

  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local television or radio for the latest  alerts.
  • Remember: WATCH: means conditions are right for a weather incident; WARNING: means a tornado or dangerous thunderstorm has been sighted.
  • Unplug electrical appliances and equipment.
  • Prepare an emergency kit with non-perishable food, medicines, baby supplies, pet food, flashlights, battery-operated radios and extra batteries, water, your cell phone and first aid kit.
  • Evacuate immediately, if told to do so by the authorities. If you can’t leave, seek shelter or call local authorities for assistance.
  • If someone in your home is dependent on electric life-sustaining medical equipment, make arrangements to relocate quickly.
  • Keep your pets with you.

DURING A STORM:

  • Stay tuned to the local radio stations, using battery-operated radios, to know when it’s safe to re-emerge from shelter.
  • Use flashlights or battery-operated lamps. Do not use candles or open flames.        
  • Don’t attempt to reset circuit breakers.

BEFORE AND DURING A TORNADO:

  •  Know the danger signs – dark, greenish sky, low-lying clouds.                 
  •  If there is a tornado warning, and you are in a mobile home or vehicle, leave and go to the lowest floor of a nearby sturdy building or storm shelter.
  • Stay indoors if you are in a structure with a safe room, storm cellar, or basement.  Otherwise go to the lowest level and have as many walls as possible between you and  the outside.  Get in a closet or hallway.
  • Stay away from windows and doors.
  • If you are outside, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression, cover your head with your hands.  You will be safer in a flat location. Do not try to outrun it if you are in a vehicle.  Find safe shelter, and leave your vehicle. 
  • Do not stay under an underpass.
  • Watch for flying debris, which causes many fatalities and injuries.

AFTER A STORM:

  • Be patient. Local utility crews will be activated to restore power immediately after the storm.
  • Stay away from downed or sparking power lines. And be sure to report them immediately.
  • Check appliances for water damage and ensure all cords are dry before plugging them into wall sockets.
  • Do not stand in water when operating switches or plugging and unplugging appliances.

Families should have a plan of action.  If they have school-age children, they need to contact their schools and find out what plans they have for emergency situations, how they will contact parents, and where parents can pick up their children, if time allows.

Our weather forecasters do their best to predict storms by warning us in time to take shelter.  However, sometimes Mother Nature sneaks up on us, so be prepared.

Source: FEMA, TXU

General Safety Issues

TORNADO SEASON IS DEFINITELY HERE!

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According to statistics, Oklahoma, some southern parts of Kansas and Missouri, experienced 39 tornadoes in a 3-day period last week, from May 10th through May 12th.  Meteorologists hit the nail on the head when they predicted that conditions were right for activity from tornadoes.  The governor of Oklahoma has designated a state of emergency for 56 counties in that state.  More than 800 volunteers were helping victims of the tornadoes clean up debris and look for any traces of valuables that were left.  There were more than 100 people injured, two deaths, and millions of dollars worth of damage caused by the twisters.

The National Weather Center has stated that it will take time to gather all the data from the tornadoes last week.  There was also very large hail in some areas, some as large as softballs.

Two of the tornadoes were classified as EF-4, and four were EF-3’s.  According to the NOAA Satellite and Information Systems, here are the classifications of wind speeds:

  • EF-1 =   86-110 mph
  • EF-2 =  111-135 mph
  • EF-3 =  136-165 mph
  • EF-4 =  166-200 mph
  • EF-5 =  over 200 mph

It is hard to imagine how anything was left standing in winds that strong. According to experts, there’s no wind on earth stronger than winds inside a tornado.  It’s amazing that more people escaped injury; they had advance notice that allowed them to be better prepared, due to correct weather warnings.  This serves as a reminder to all of us to do the following:

1.    Know the hazards of dangerous weather.

2.    Pay attention to forecasts.

3.    Have a plan to stay safe.  Think about what you will do in case of a natural disaster and be prepared.

After the terrible week that Oklahomans had, let’s hope the rest of the season will be mild.  The residents are grateful to all the volunteers who are helping with the clean up.  It’s times like this when everyone steps up to the plate.

Weather Protection

ONCE AGAIN, IT’S TORNADO SEASON!

Tornadoes have already hit some areas of the United States!  Because they keep coming back year after year, we want to repeat this information we shared with you last year.  The most violent storms of nature, tornadoes are rotating funnel clouds that extend from thunderstorms to the ground with winds that can reach 300 mph.  Their paths can be one mile wide and up to 50 miles long.

In order to keep the public informed, NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, and television stations frequently announce weather situations.  WATCH means that a tornado is possible.  WARNING means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, and to take shelter immediately.
From FEMA: The following are facts about tornadoes:

  • They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
  • The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
  • Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
  • The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
  • They may be almost transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
  • Tornadoes can go with tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
  • Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can happen at any time.
  • Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.
  • Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.

Danger signs of tornadoes are: large hail, large dark low-lying cloud, (particularly if rotating), loud roar (like a freight train), and dark, greenish sky.  The area may become very still prior to a tornado.

When a tornado is approaching, get to a cellar, basement, closet or hallway away from windows and doors, and get under a table.  If you are in a mobile home, get out immediately and take shelter.  If you are outside: lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.  You are safer in a low, flat location than under an overpass or bridge.  If you are in a vehicle, never try to outrun a tornado. Leave your vehicle and seek a safer location.  Watch for flying debris from a tornado. Debris causes major injuries and many fatalities.

We certainly hope you never experience a tornado.  As we always suggest: remember to keep adequate supplies of water and non-perishable foods, first aid kit, flashlight, change of clothes, and other needed equipment ready in case of an emergency.  The best plan for you and your loved ones is to be prepared, just in case.

Source: FEMA

Weather Protection

TORNADO SEASON!

Tornadoes have already hit many areas of the United States!  The most violent storms of nature, tornadoes are rotating funnel clouds that extend from thunderstorms to the ground with winds that can reach 300 mph.  Their paths can be one mile wide and up to 50 miles long.

In order to keep the public informed, NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, and television stations frequently announce weather situations.  WATCH means that a tornado is possible.  WARNING means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, and to take shelter immediately.

From FEMA: The following are facts about tornadoes:

  • They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
  • The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
  • Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
  • The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
  • They may be almost transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
  • Tornadoes can go with tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
  • Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can happen at any time.
  • Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.
  • Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.

Danger signs of tornadoes are: large hail, large dark low-lying cloud, (particularly if rotating), loud roar (like a freight train), and dark, greenish sky.  The area may become very still prior to a tornado.
When a tornado is approaching, get to a cellar, basement, closet or hallway away from windows and doors, and get under a table.  If you are in a mobile home, get out immediately and take shelter.  If you are outside: lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.  You are safer in a low, flat location than under an overpass or bridge.  If you are in a vehicle, never try to outrun a tornado. Leave your vehicle and seek a safer location.  Watch for flying debris from a tornado. Debris causes major injuries and many fatalities.

We certainly hope you never have a tornado strike in your location.  As we always suggest: remember to keep adequate supplies of water and non-perishable foods, first aid kit, flashlight, change of clothes, and other needed equipment ready in case of an emergency.  The best plan for you and your loved ones is to be prepared, just in case.
Source: FEMA