Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. They can appear suddenly and without warning, sometimes being invisible until debris is picked up. To stay safe from tornadoes, it is important to monitor weather reports, know the signs of an approaching tornado such as dark clouds and heavy rain or hail, and take shelter immediately in a basement or interior room if a warning is issued. Proper preparation includes having an emergency plan and supplies in place.

2. TORNADOES
 Tornadoes are nature’s most violent
storms
 Tornadoes can appear suddenly without
warning
 Tornadoes may be invisible until dust and
debris are picked up
 Tornadoes can occur ANYWHERE and
ANYTIME

3. KNOW THE SIGNS
 Very dark clouds, often greenish sky
 Whirling dust of debris on the ground
under a cloud base (sometimes no
visible funnel)
 Hail and/or heavy rain
 Loud, continuous roar or rumble,
which doesn’t fade in a few seconds
like thunder does

4. STAY INFORMED
 If the weather looks bad, tune in to weather
reports via radio or TV
 Weather websites:
 www.noaa.gov
 www.weather.com
 Your local TV station’s website
 In case the power goes out, a battery
operated radio is a good thing to have
 Flex your technology muscle! Check out the
Tornado App from the Red Cross!
www.redcross.org

5. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
 TORNADO WATCH
 A WATCH means that conditions are
good for a tornado or serious storm
 TORNADO WARNING
 A WARNING means that a tornado has
been spotted or indicated by weather
radar – take cover immediately

6. WHAT TO DO
 Seek shelter
 Move to an underground shelter or basement
 Or move to an interior room on the lowest floor
(hallway, conference room, etc.)
 Stay away from windows
 If you are outside, get inside as fast as
possible
 If you cannot find indoor shelter, try to lay lower
than road level (ditch, valley)
 Do not stay in an automobile

7. BE PREPARED
 Let coworkers, friends, family know if bad
weather is on the way
 Know your program’s safe area(s)
 If you were at a drill or at a safety meeting
and your coworkers weren’t, let them know
what happened
 Assist consumers in getting to a safe area
within HCS buildings
 Know what to do if you’re on a home visit

8. MORE INFORMATION
 Check out the following websites for
additional information about tornadoes
and tornado safety:
 www.noaa.gov / www.weather.gov
 www.weather.com
 www.vaemergency.gov
 www.redcross.org

9. This presentation has been
brought to you by the Q&C Guild

10. This presentation has been
brought to you by the Q&C Guild