Tornado and Severe Weather

Tornado and Severe Weather Alerts

Tornado Watch - weather conditions are right for a tornado to develop.

Tornado Warning - a tornado has been sighted or appears to be imminent.

If the warning siren is activated, an AlertBG message is received, or the weather is threatening:

• Go to the basement or an inside room or hallway at the lowest level of the building.
• Avoid places with wide-span roofs, such as auditoriums, cafeterias, and large hallways.
• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a heavy table or desk, if possible.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• If outside, get into a ditch or depressed area.  Do not use a vehicle as a safe area or to outrun the tornado.

After a tornado:

• Stay out of damaged buildings until authorities determine it is safe to enter.
• Assume all wires on the ground are charged so do not touch.

If you hear or smell leaking gas, do not strike a match or lighter or turn on a light switch; any size flame or spark could cause an explosion.  Exit the area and call 911 to report the leaking gas.

Lightning

Statistics show that lightning is more dangerous than a tornado.  If you can see it (lightning), flee it (take shelter).  If you can hear it (thunder), clear it (suspend activities).

During a Lightning Storm:

• Do not use landline telephones or electrical appliances.
• Stay away from doors and windows.
• Do not bathe, shower or use faucets when severe weather threatens.
• Avoid bodies of water, trees, tents, ball field dugouts, light poles, metal fences, etc.
• Get off riding lawn mowers or golf carts and seek appropriate shelter.

Note: Monitor local weather stations with radio, weather radio, or TV.