Tornado season is approaching; learn how to survive

Tornado season is approaching; learn how to survive
As weather gets warmer, it is a good time to review and prepare for the upcoming storm season.
Tornadoes can be a threat in most of the Midwest, and there is no guaranteed safety if you are in one’s path. But preparedness increases chances of survival, and Farm Bureau offers several tips.
 
Tornado safety preparation
Have a plan in place to know where to take shelter quickly, and practice a tornado safety drill with children.
Flying debris is the greatest danger during a tornado. So, store protective coverings (like a mattress, sleeping bags, thick blankets, etc.) close to your designated shelter space. It is also a good idea to have a portable weather radio with fresh batteries in the safe space.
 
Tornado warning signs
Waiting to see a funnel cloud may not leave enough time to find shelter, but there are early warning signs that indicate severe weather may be approaching:
•Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a group of clouds — sometimes tornadoes won’t have a visible funnel.
•Hail or heavy rain followed by either intense wind or dead calm.
•Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn’t fade like thunder. Some people who have been in a tornado say it sounds like a train roaring by.
•At night, blue-green to white flashes at ground level signal power lines being snapped by very strong wind or a tornado.
•A green sky indicates storm clouds are extremely tall and could be a warning sign for severe weather like large hail or tornadoes.
 
When a tornado hits
Avoid windows and get to the lowest, center room in the house. Bathrooms, closets or under a stairwell are all good options.
Crouch as low as possible facing down and cover your head with your hands. A tub or shower may offer some added protection in a bathroom.
Both mobile homes and vehicles are not safe in a tornado. If you are in a vehicle and you can safely get lower than the level of the roadway, like into a ditch, leave your car and lie in that area, making sure to cover your head with your hands.
Don’t park under a bridge, because it won’t offer protection and can create driving hazards.
 
Be safe after a tornado
Stay calm and alert, keeping your family together. Carefully render aid to those who are injured, but avoid moving anyone with a neck injury. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive to give more direction.
Stay away from power lines and any puddles with wires in them as they could still be carrying electricity. Stay out of heavily damaged homes or buildings as they could collapse. Avoid matches or fire in case of a natural gas leak.
Although tornadoes can be rare and you may feel like they will never pop up in your area, it is a good idea to be as prepared as possible. More information is at https://www.fbfs.com/learning-center/what-to-do-tornado.