Tornadoes have proven to be one of nature’s most destructive forces. When a tornado watch or warning is issued, you need to take immediate action for life safety. Do you have your tornado response/shelter plans in place at home and at work? Do all of your family members, including children, know what to do during a tornado watch or warning?
Identify Your Safe Shelter Location at Home and at Work
If a tornado watch or warning is issued, moving to appropriate shelter should be your first priority:
• The safest place to be is in an underground shelter, basement or safe room.
• If an underground shelter or safe room is not available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative. In general, put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
• Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes. If you live in a mobile home, identify alternate shelter locations prior to any storm events. Move to your alternate shelter location during a tornado WATCH rather than waiting for the tornado warning. A “watch” means conditions are favorable for a tornado to form.
• If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building.
If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter, you may need to find alternate shelter:
• Immediately get into a vehicle. Buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter.
• If flying debris occurs while you are driving, pull over and park.
As a last resort:
• Stay in your vehicle and wear your seatbelt. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket if possible.
• If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, exit the vehicle. Lay in the area, covering your head with your hands.
Information about tornado safety is available online at www.bismarcknd.gov/emergencymanagement.
How will you receive a tornado watch or tornado warning?
It’s best to have more than one way of receiving weather alerts. If you don’t already have a NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio, consider purchasing one. An all-hazards weather radio can provide you with your desired alerts (e.g. tornado watch and tornado warning) based on your location per county. When going on vacation, you can take the all-hazard weather radio with you – just be sure to have batteries for back-up power. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible. Remain alert for signs of an approaching tornado such as a dark, often greenish sky, large hail, or a loud roar similar to a freight train.
Burleigh County History
It has been nearly six years since Burleigh County’s last reported tornado. However, there are 20 reported tornado events within Burleigh County since 1996 (average of one per year). Although we can’t predict our tornado events weeks or months in advance – we can prepare in advance. Don’t wait until our Bismarck area outdoor warning sirens are sounded to develop your tornado response/shelter plan. For more information visit www.bismarcknd.gov/emergencymanagement.