The Division of Public Safety encourages members of the ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ community to beware of tornadoes, which are violently rotating columns of air that can flip cars and create flying debris. Tornadoes can happen anytime and anywhere; they look like funnels.
The division offers the following information and tips to help community members be prepared for such weather conditions:
- Know the warning communications.
- Tornado watch: Conditions are favorable for a tornado.
- Tornado warning: A tornado has been spotted in the county. Seek shelter immediately.
- Warning sirens: Initiates during a tornado warning and will sound for three minutes followed by seven minutes of silence.
- If you are inside, take the following precautions:
- Try to remain calm.
- Move to the lowest level of the building, preferably in the middle of the building away from doors and windows.
- If you cannot make it to the lowest level, seek shelter in a small room under a table or something sturdy.
- Do not use elevators.
- If you are outside, take the following steps:
- Try to remain calm.
- Find any nearby building to enter.
- If you cannot find a building to enter, find a ditch, streambed or ravine to lie flat with your head covered.
- Never use overpasses as a cover during a tornado.
- Never open car windows to equalize pressure.
