Tornado Trouble

Spring is synonymous with brighter landscapes, warmer weather and more outdoor activity. But one very ominous reality is that this time of year is also the onset of tornado season. More than 900 confirmed Ohio tornadoes are on record since 1950, and one of the 37 tornadoes last year very briefly touched down in the New Albany area (thankfully doing no damage before it dissipated). Planning is a key component to surviving a tornado and dealing with its aftermath. Develop a family tornado plan and routinely practice it so your family is prepared. You may also want to contact your insurance agency to inquire about tornado coverage, consider purchasing replacement cost coverage for your home and its contents, and report any recent home improvements to your insurance carrier.

Safety Tips Before and During a Tornado

There is no such thing as guaranteed safety from a tornado. The most violent tornadoes can level almost any home. Flying debris is the greatest danger in tornadoes, so store protective coverings (e.g. mattress, sleeping bags, thick blankets, etc.) near the designated tornado meeting area in your home for use on short notice. Also, use a radio or TV to get updated tornado information whenever possible.

The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness and the Storm Prediction Center encourage you to:

D - Go DOWN to the lowest level

U - Get UNDER something

C - COVER your head

K - KEEP in shelter until the storm has passed

In a home with a basement: Get in the basement as soon as possible, avoid windows and get under protective coverings. Know where heavy objects rest on the floor above (pianos, refrigerators, waterbeds, etc.) and do not crouch under them. They may fall down through a weakened floor.

In a home with no basement: Get to the lowest floor and into a small center room such as a bathroom or closet, under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway with no windows. Avoid windows and crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down. Get under protective coverings.

In an office building, mall, church or hospital: Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building if possible – away from glass and on the lowest floor. Crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are also usually good places to take shelter and provide opportunities to get to lower floors. Stay off elevators, which may lose power.

At school: Follow instructions. Go to the interior hall or designated room in an orderly way, crouch low with your head down and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large, open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.

In a vehicle:

Vehicles are extremely dangerous during tornadoes. If the tornado is visible but far away, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles. Otherwise, park the car as quickly and safely as possible – out of the traffic lanes. Get out of the vehicle and seek shelter in a sturdy building if one is nearby.

In the open outdoors: If no sturdy building is nearby, lie flat and face-down on the lowest ground you find, protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as possible.

Prep for a dangerous storm with these survival tips

After the Tornado

• Keep your family together and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

• Carefully render aid to those who are injured.

• Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them to prevent electrocution.

• Watch your step to avoid broken glass, nails and other sharp objects.

• Stay out of any heavily damaged houses or buildings; they could collapse.

• Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby.

• Remain calm and alert, and listen for information and instructions from emergency crews or local officials.

For more information, go to www. weathersafety.ohio.gov.

Scott McAfee is public information officer for the City of New Albany. Feedback welcome at editor@healthynewalbany.org.

By Lisa Aurand