FEMA Public Service Announcements

Tornado: 30s

58. Practice A Family Tornado Drill

ANNCR: When a tornado is coming, you may only have seconds to make life-or-death decisions for yourself and for your family. Designate an area of your home as a tornado shelter, and practice your plan for gathering the entire family into the shelter. Remember, when you hear a tornado warning, drop everything, alert the family, and move immediately into the tornado shelter. For more information visit the FEMA website at w-w-w, dot-f-e-m-a, dot-gov.

59. Tornado Warning Signs

ANNCR: Learn to protect yourself, your family and your property from tornadoes. Remember these three tornado danger signs: One - before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. Two - tornadoes can be nearly invisible, marked only by swirling debris at the base of the funnel. Three - tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. When a thunderstorm moves through your area, be alert for tornadoes. A public service message from FEMA.

60. Tornado Watch, Tornado Warning

ANNCR: A tornado watch is issued when there is a threat of tornado conditions in your area. You may still have time to take precautions. During a tornado watch, listen to a battery-operated radio or television for weather reports, and be prepared to move to shelter if you hear a tornado warning. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Remember, if you hear a tornado-warning, move immediately to shelter. A message from FEMA.

61. Emergency Kit Preparation

ANNCR: Advance planning and quick response is the keys to surviving a tornado. Right now, gather items to make a life-saving emergency supply kit. You'll need a waterproof flashlight, a battery-operated radio and lots of extra batteries. A first aid kit is essential, and you'll want a three-day supply of food and water for everyone in the family. Keep the emergency kit in the tornado shelter. To learn more, visit the FEMA website at w-w-w-dot-FEMA-dot-gov.

62. Utilities

ANNCR: Tornadoes are a real and potent threat to your property, and even your life. Now is the time to prepare your home and family. Tornadoes can break electric lines, gas and water pipes, Take a few minutes right now to teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water, and you can help prevent tornado related fire and water damage to your home. This is a public service message from FEMA.

63. Family Communications Plan

ANNCR: It's important for the safety and well being of your family that you develop a family emergency communications plan. Families should have a plan for getting back together in case they're separated from one another during a disaster. Have everyone agree to call an out-of-town friend or relative who will coordinate getting everyone back together again. For more information visit the FEMA website at w-w-w-dot-FEMA-dot-gov, or contact your local Red Cross.

64. Tornado Warning info for Houses, Mobile Homes

ANNCR: A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted in your area. If you are at home when you hear a tornado warning, stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors. If you are in a mobile home, check and secure the tie-downs and evacuate to a building with a solid foundation or to a local emergency shelter immediately. Remember, in a mobile home, lock-up and seek shelter when you hear a tornado warning. This has been a message from FEMA.

65. Tornado Warning: If You Are Driving

ANNCR: A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or appears on weather radar. If you are driving when you hear a tornado warning or see a tornado on the ground, get out of the vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building. If there is no time to get indoors, your chances of survival are better if you get out and lie in a ditch or low area away from the vehicle. Remember, if you see a tornado on the ground, seek shelter immediately. A message from FEMA.

66. Tornadoes: Stop, Look, Listen

ANNCR: Stop, look and listen. If you're at home when a tornado watch is issued, the simplest advice is still the best. Stop going outside, and stop sitting or standing by doors and windows. Look for the evidence of a funnel-shaped cloud, and be prepared to evacuate to a tornado shelter if you see one. Listen to a battery-operated radio or TV for emergency safety information, and weather updates. Stop, look, listen and improve your chances of escaping tornado-related injury. A message from FEMA.

67. Tornadoes: What to Do at Work or School

ANNCR: Most tornadoes occur when many of us are at work or at school. If you hear a tornado warning, go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level you can safely reach. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it tightly. If you are outdoors when you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, get inside a building if at all possible. This is a public service message from FEMA.

68. Returning Home: Check the Utilities

ANNCR: Tornado damage isn't always obvious, and can cause buildings to collapse suddenly and without warning. Downed high-tension power lines and loosened wiring poses the threat of severe electric shock. When you return home after a tornado, DO NOT turn on anything electric until you have made a thorough check for gas leaks. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. A message from FEMA.