Coatesville Indiana Police

Coatesville Police on Tornado Safety

A tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. Because wind is invisible, it is hard to see a tornado unless it forms a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, dust and debris. Tornadoes are the most violent of all atmospheric storms.

If a warning is issued:

1) In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.

2) If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.

3) Stay away from winDOW

4) Get out of automobiles

5) Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.

6) Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned.

Sometimes tornadoes develop so rapidly, there is little advance warning. Be alert to signs of an approaching tornado such as loud roar and blowing debris.

Who is most at risk?

1) People in automobiles

2) The elderly, very young children, physically and mentally impaired

After a tornado passes

1) Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of damaged areas

2) Listen to the radio for information and instructions

3) Use a flashlight to inspect for damage in your home

4) Do not use candles at any time because of possible gas leaks

Tornado Myths

MYTH: Areas near rivers, lakes and mountains are safe from tornadoes

FACT: No place is safe from tornadoes. In the late 1980's, a tornado swept Yellowstone National Park leaving a path of destruction up and down a 10,000-ft. mountain.

MYTH: The low pressure with a tornado causes buildings to "explode" as the tornado passes overhead.

FACT: Violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause most structural damage.

MYTH: Windows should be opened before tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage.

FACT: Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead, immediately go to a safe place.

A Tornado WATCH is issued by the NOAA Storm Prediction Center meteorologists who watch the weather 24/7 across the entire U.S. for weather conditions that are favorable for tornadoes. A watch can cover parts of a state or several states. Watch and prepare for severe weather and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio to know when warnings are issued.

A Tornado WARNING is issued by your local NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office meteorologists who watch the weather 24/7 over a designated area. This means a tornado has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar and there is a serious threat to life and property to those in the path of the tornado. ACT now to find safe shelter! A warning can cover parts of counties or several counties in the path of danger.