March signals start of tornado season Published March 6, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Thomas Breckel 509th Engineer Squadron WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The start of "tornado season" is once again upon Missouri, but if you ask around, local residents will tell you that tornadoes can happen year round. On an average, the state of Missouri reports 26 tornadoes per year and 3 deaths. While a small percentage of tornadoes actually strike occupied buildings, injuries and deaths are still possible. The chances that a tornado will strike a building that you are in are very small; you can greatly reduce the chance of injury by doing a few simple things. One of the most important things you can do to prevent being injured in a tornado is to be alert to the onset of severe weather. Most deaths and injuries happen to people who are unaware and uninformed. Young children may not recognize a dangerous situation. The ill, elderly, or invalid may not be able to reach shelter in time. Those who ignore the weather because of indifference or overconfidence may not perceive the danger. Stay aware and you can make the difference between life and death for you or your family! Weather Tips: If you don't regularly watch or listen to the weather report, but strange clouds start moving in and the weather begins to look stormy, turn to the local radio or television station to get the weather forecast. You might consider signing up for short message service alerts through your favorite weather provider, delivered directly to your email in-box or cell phone. Check The Weather Channel for additional information, or if you have trouble getting up-to-the-minute forecasts on a regular radio, then a "NOAA weather radio" is a wise investment. If a tornado "watch" is issued for your area, it means that a tornado is "possible." If a tornado "warning" is issued, it means that a tornado has actually been spotted, or is strongly indicated on radar, and it is time to go to a safe shelter immediately. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency the following actions should be taken during a tornado warning: OUTDOORS: Get inside as soon as possible. If shelter is unavailable or too far to reach in time, lie flat in a ditch or other low lying area and cover your head with your hands and arms. Be aware however, flash floods may occur since tornadoes accompany violent thunderstorms, which produce large amounts of rainfall in a very short period of time. AT WORK OR SCHOOL: Go to the basement or to the lowest possible level away from exterior windows and doors and get under a sturdy structure or piece of furniture such as a desk or workbench. Avoid large open areas such as auditoriums, cafeterias, or aircraft hangars and never use elevators. If the power goes out you could be stranded. AT HOME: Go to a small interior room like a closet or bathroom on the lowest level of the home. Utilize pillows, covers or even a mattress to place over yourself to protect against flying debris. The house will not explode so don't bother opening windows or doors to equalize the pressure, you'll waste precious time and put yourself at risk. IN A VEHICLE: Try to drive out of the path of the tornado. If it appears stationary or seems to be getting larger, it's coming straight at you. Exit the vehicle and take shelter immediately since cars are notorious death traps. If shelter is not available, get in a ditch or other low-lying area. IN A MOBILE HOME: Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit. Remember, a tornado can happen anywhere and at any time. Educate your family on the television and radio messages as well as the siren warning and what they mean. Designate an area in your home as a safe shelter, develop an emergency plan and hold an occasional practice drill. FEMA recommends having the following supplies on hand in case of a natural disaster: Flashlight and extra batteries, a portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit and manual, emergency food and water, non-electric can opener, essential medicines, cash and credit cards and sturdy shoes. Remember to include activity/comfort items for small children who may be frightened. In any case take a few simple steps to prepare yourself and your family so you can take immediate actions in a safe, effective manner if faced with an emergency situation. Encourage your family members to plan for their own safety in the event you are on temporary duty. It is important to make decisions about the safest places well BEFORE you ever have to go to them. If you, your family or squadron would like the new Air Force pamphlet on all disaters and what to do in the event of a disaster please call the Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management Flight at 687-6909. For more information relating to tornado safety, visit: WAFB CEMP 10-2 FEMA (www.fema.gov) SEMA (http://sema.dps.mo.gov/) National Weather Service (http://www.nws.noaa.gov/) READY.GOV (www.ready.gov)