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Recent Tornado watchs call for refresher on preparedness and reaction tips |
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Tuesday, 27 May 2008 |
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SHAWN YORKS/GDH 'This storm near Texhoma was part of a string of thunderstorms which resulted in Texas County’s first Tornado Watch of the season. 
By MIRANDA GILBERT
Managing Editor
Guymon's storm sirens have been tested, and tornado devastation flashes over the TV each night. Tornado season is upon us and the best thing anyone can do is freshen up on preparation and safety advice.
When a warning to seek shelter is announced, people have no time to prepare, especially in this land where many don't scare so easy until the final moments.
As a result, how you respond is critical. And how you should react depends on where you are.
The best tip, regardless of all the details, is to make sure you have a portable radio, preferably a NOAA weather radio which are sold locally, for up to the minute information and sign up for The Weather Channel's free alerts on your mobile phone and by email.
Develop a Family Preparedness Plan that includes the following:
Decide where to go if at home, school, work, outdoors, or in a car when a tornado warning is issued. Update these plans every school year and as places of employment and residence change.
Compile a family emergency supplies kit. Make certain everything you need is in one specific, easy-to-access location. These contents can be assembled over a five-month period on a weekly basis, and perishable items should be changed or replaced every six months.
Now, here's some advice for where you may stand the moment the sirens blare.
In a Frame Home
Seek shelter in the lowest level of your home (basement or storm cellar). If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway, a smaller inner room, or a closet. Keep away from all windows.
You can cushion yourself with a mattress, but do not use one to cover yourself. Do cover your head and eyes with a blanket or jacket to protect against flying debris and broken glass. Don't waste time moving mattresses around.
Keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier.
Multiple tornadoes can emerge from the same storm, so do not go out until the storm has passed.
Do not leave a building to attempt to "escape" a tornado that is close.
In a Mobile Home
Leave your mobile home immediately and take shelter elsewhere.
Outside
Try to get inside and seek a small protected space with no windows.
Avoid large-span roof areas such as school gyms.
If you cannot get inside, crouch for protection beside a strong structure, or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head and neck with your arms or a piece of clothing.
In a Car
Ideally, you should avoid driving when tornadoes or other kinds of dangerous weather threaten, because a vehicle is a very unsafe place to be. If, however, this is not possible, stay as calm as possible and assess the situation.
Your best option might be to get out of the car and lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area that is sufficiently deep enough to protect against the wind.
If you do so, beware of water runoff from heavy rain that could pose a hazard; get as far away from the vehicle as possible and shield your head from flying debris.
Or, if possible, take shelter immediately in a nearby building.
The United States has the highest incidence of tornadoes worldwide, with more than 1,000 occurring every year. This is due to the unique geography that brings together polar air from Canada, tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico, and dry air from the Southwest to clash in the middle of the country, producing thunderstorms and the tornadoes they spawn.
Tornadoes can come one at a time, or in clusters, and they can vary greatly in length, width, direction of travel, and speed. They can leave a path 50 yards wide or over a mile wide. They may touch down for only a matter of seconds, or remain in contact with the ground for over an hour.
To protect assets, determine your insurance eligibility now. In addition to high winds, rain and floods are sometimes associated with tornadoes. Find out more from your insurance agent or call the National Insurance Consumer Helpline (1-800-942-4242) or The Insurance Information Institute (1-800-331-9146).
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 28 May 2008 )
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