Are you prepared for a tornado? Here’s some tips to shelter at home and stay safe
Lexington is under a tornado watch Friday as much of the state braces for severe weather.
Friday morning, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in expectation of hazards from the storm system moving across Kentucky.
Here’s what to do before, during and after a tornado, with tips sourced from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency and Lexington’s Emergency Management service.
What’s the difference between a tornado watch and warning?
A tornado watch indicates tornadoes are possible in and around the designated area. It’s a signal to the public that forecasters are watching for the formation of tornadoes under weather conditions that favor them. It’s one step removed from a tornado warning.
If a tornado warning is in effect near you, this means a tornado has been sighted or picked up by the weather radar somewhere nearby.
You should take shelter immediately — ideally in a central, low-lying room in your home away from windows and exterior walls. Something like a basement or a central bathroom in your home works best.
What should I do before a tornado strikes?
It’s best to put a plan in place and prepare long before the threat of a tornado is ever in the forecast.
Tips from Lexington’s Emergency Management division include:
Get a weather radio and make sure you have an ample battery supply for it. This will ensure you can stay in the know when it matters most.
Read your local weather report, not just the weather app on your phone. You can also add the National Weather Service forecast to your mobile phone’s home screen, and ensure you have government alerts toggled on in your phone’s notifications settings.
If you live in Lexington, understand the local warning system.
Pick a meeting place and a back-up spot in case the first one isn’t accessible or destroyed. Phones may not work after a storm, so you can’t count on them to reunite with friends and family.
Pick an out-of-town contact to act as a message drop. Save that person as a contact in every phone your family uses, and make sure they’re on notice about this responsibility.
How to prepare your home for a tornado
According to BeReadyLexington, it helps to designate a safe room as far away from windows, doors and exterior walls as possible.
Outfit your safe room with essential supplies, including:
Shelf-stable food
Bottled water
First aid kit
Battery-powered radio and back-up batteries
Flashlight and spare batteries
A change of clothes, ideally sturdy ones, for every member of your family
What to do when a tornado hits
According to Ready.gov, you should take the following steps immediately:
Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.
Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location, like a roadside ditch.
Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
If you can’t stay at home, make plans to go to a public shelter.
What to do after a tornado passes
Again, according to BeReadyLexington, you should stay cautious after a tornado passes. Some tips include:
Don’t rush out. You might be tempted to get out and look around at the damage, but it’s safest to stay in a shelter away from falling debris. You should also dress in safe, protective clothing. Wear a sturdy pair of shoes.
Avoid ignition sources. Don’t use open flames, like candles or lanterns, when checking for damage in case there’s a gas leak. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing sound, open a window and evacuate. Call your gas company or the fire department from a safe distance outside.
Check in. Call your out-of-town contact and let them know you’re safe.
Make records. Take plenty of photos of damage to your property and your neighbor’s for insurance purposes.
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