FEMA Public Service Announcements

Tornado: 60s

69. Tornado Warning Signs

ANNCR: Tornadoes strike nearly every year with the most powerful winds on Earth. 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. An approaching cloud of dust or debris can mark the location of a deadly tornado. Seek shelter immediately. Three - Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. When a thunderstorm moves through your area, be alert for tornadoes. For more information on tornado preparedness, visit the FEMA website at w-w-w-dot-f-e-m-a, dot-gov, or contact the Red Cross. Plan ahead to survive the next tornado, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

70. Tornado Watch, Mobile Home Tips

ANNCR: A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when there is a threat of tornado conditions. 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. Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to tornado damage, even if securely tied down. When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in the lowest level of a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance from the unit. Learn and practice tornado preparedness. Plan ahead to survive the next tornado, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

71. Emergency Kit Preparation

ANNCR: The thunderstorm is nearly over, when suddenly, the emergency radio sounds the tornado warning alert. You may have only minutes or seconds to seek shelter. Advance planning and quick response is the keys to survival. Right now, while you still have time, 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. Don't forget a non-electric can opener. Choose a safe area of your home for a tornado shelter, and make sure that everyone in your family knows where it is and how to get there quickly. Plan ahead to survive the next tornado, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

72. Utilities and Pets

ANNCR: A tornado may change your whole life overnight. The most violent windstorm on Earth is a real and potent threat to your property, and even your life. Now is the time to prepare your home and family in order to survive the next tornado. Tornadoes can break electric and gas lines, 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.

If your home is damaged or destroyed by a tornado, you may have to seek emergency shelter. Pets are not allowed into emergency shelters. Contact your local humane society for information on safeguarding your pet. Plan ahead to survive the next tornado, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

73. Area Residents: Family Communications Plan

ANNCR: If you're within this station's listening area, it's important for the safety and well being of your family that you act immediately to obtain local tornado preparedness information. Information about what to do and where to go before, during and after a tornado can save your life.

It's always a good idea to develop a family emergency communication 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 and leave a message about where you can be found. For more important safety information visit the FEMA website at w-w-w-dot-FEMA-dot-gov, or contact your local Red Cross. Plan ahead to survive the next tornado, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

74. Tornado Warning Info for Houses, Mobile Homes

ANNCR: A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted in your area. Wherever you are when a tornado warning is issued, move quickly to a sheltered area and listen to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions. If you are at home when you hear a tornado warning, stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors. Tornado winds can toss debris that will shatter even well-protected doors and windows. Take cover and hold on tightly.

If you are in a mobile home, check and secure the tiedowns 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. Plan to survive the next tornado, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

75. Tornado Warning: If You Are Driving

ANNCR: A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or appears on weather radar. During a tornado warning, listen to a battery-operated radio or television for progress reports. Seek shelter immediately.

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-lying area away from the vehicle. Cover your head and neck. Never try to follow or out-drive a tornado. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air. Remember, if you see a tornado on the ground, seek shelter immediately. Plan ahead to survive the next tornado, and listen to this station for more information from FEMA.

76. Tornadoes: Stop, Look, Listen

ANNCR: Stop, look and listen. 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. Tornado winds can toss debris with tremendous force and shatter even well protected doors and windows. Tornado winds can bring down trees, limbs and power lines. You are at great personal risk if you are outdoors during a tornado.

Look around for the evidence of a funnel shaped cloud, and be prepared to evacuate to a tornado shelter if you see one. Look for a flashlight, batteries and a first-aid kit, a mechanical can opener and your emergency supply kit with food, water and medications.

Listen to a battery-operated radio or TV for news and weather updates. Stop, look, and listen. Plan ahead to survive the next tornado, and listen to this station for more information from FEMA.

77. Tornadoes: What to Do at Work or School

ANNCR: Most tornadoes occur between noon and midnight, when many of us are at work or at school. If you hear a tornado warning, it means that a tornado has been sighted or appears on weather radar, and you must act immediately. If you are at work or school, go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level you can safely reach.

Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways or shopping malls. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture and hold on tightly. If you are outdoors when you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, get inside a building if possible. If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or crouch near a strong building. Plan ahead to survive the next tornado, and listen to this station for more information from FEMA.

78. Returning Home: Check the Utilities

ANNCR: Tornado damage isn't always obvious, so be careful when returning home. DO NOT flick a light switch or turn on anything electric until you have made a thorough check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and immediately leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the Gas Company from a neighbor's home.

Next, look for electrical system damage. 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. DO NOT step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker. Remember to take a picture of damage to your home and furnishings for insurance purposes. Listen to this station for more information from FEMA.