A tornado warning is one of the two types of tornado alerts issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), alongside tornado watches. Both are issued through phone alerts, local news, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, or on the NWS website. Some communities use tornado sirens to warn residents that a tornado warning is coming. For seniors issued a tornado warning in Spartanburg, SC, here are things you must do.
Take Shelter
A tornado warning is considered the most urgent alert you will receive, and regardless if you have your own home or are living in a retirement community, the first thing you must do is take shelter. Do not wait until such time that the tornado comes before you even do what you have to do. Never look outside for a tornado to come, as it can be hidden by hail or rain.
Watch for Updates
While taking shelter, you can listen to a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, the television, or regular radio to receive the latest information about the tornado. Always have a battery-operated equipment in handy, just in case electricity goes out.
Protect Yourself
Look for a safe place where you won’t be hit by glass or any other flying objects. Remember that tornadoes have the capacity to change intensity, speed, and direction very quickly, and that is what makes it very dangerous. Even when the news says your place will not be directly hit by the tornado, it pays to get some protection.
You can also protect yourself by getting under a heavy table, a workbench, or any piece of sturdy furniture in your apartment home. These will protect you from any falling debris. What’s even better is holding on the furniture using one hand, so that in case the object moves due to the tornado wind, you can easily move with it as well. Use your free hand to protect your head and neck from flying objects.
Do Not Stay Near Windows
These windows might just open due to the strong winds. Just let the windows be, and go to the safe place you should be at the moment. Violent winds will definitely cause structural damage, and you would not want that to put you in danger.
Tips for those Outside
If you have received a warning and you are outside in your car, then the best thing you must do next is to look for a building and go to the basement. Make sure that building is safe for you. You do not want staying in your cars because the disastrous tornado winds can carry them hundreds of feet away from where they are stationed.
Avoid going to places that have wide-span roofs like cafeterias, shopping malls, large hallways, and auditoriums. They are damaged by tornado winds easily, thus they cannot protect you as much as other structures can.
These are just some of the things you must bear in mind once a tornado warning is issued. Make sure you remember them by heart.
