Tornadoes are one of nature's most violent and unpredictable phenomena, capable of causing significant damage in a matter of minutes. In the United States, an average of 1,000 tornadoes occur yearly, primarily in Tornado Alley, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and even my home state of Alabama. Preparing your family and home for tornadoes is essential to minimize risks and ensure safety during such events. This article provides a comprehensive guide to tornado preparedness, from understanding the science of tornadoes to developing a family emergency plan and fortifying your home.
Understanding Tornadoes
A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. It is characterized by its funnel-shaped cloud and extreme winds, which can exceed 300 miles per hour in the most powerful tornadoes. The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale categorizes tornadoes from EF0 (weakest) to EF5 (strongest) based on the damage they cause. Understanding the nature and behavior of tornadoes is the first step in preparing for them.
The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale is a classification system used to rate the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause to human-built structures and vegetation. This scale is an improvement on the original Fujita Scale, developed by Dr. Tetsuya Fujita in 1971 and was implemented in the United States on February 1, 2007. The EF Scale incorporates more variables and a more nuanced approach to assessing damage, providing a more accurate reflection of tornado strength.
EF Scale Categories
The EF Scale is divided into six categories, from EF0 to EF5, each representing increasing levels of damage and wind speed estimates. Here’s a detailed explanation of each category:
EF0: Weak (65-85 mph)
- Description: EF0 tornadoes are the weakest on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
- Typical Damage: Light damage, including broken tree branches, shallow-rooted trees pushed over, and minor roof damage.
- Examples: Minor damage to chimneys, broken branches off trees, and shallow-rooted trees pushed over.
- Impact: Structures remain largely intact, with superficial damage.
EF1: Moderate (86-110 mph)
- Description: EF1 tornadoes cause moderate damage.
- Typical Damage: Roofs severely stripped, mobile homes overturned or badly damaged, loss of exterior doors, windows and other glass broken.
- Examples: Roofs severely stripped, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, and exterior doors damaged or removed.
- Impact: Significant structural damage to weaker structures such as mobile homes.
EF2: Strong (111-135 mph)
- Description: EF2 tornadoes are considered strong and cause considerable damage.
- Typical Damage: Roofs torn off well-constructed houses, foundations of frame homes shifted, large trees snapped or uprooted, light-object missiles generated, cars lifted off the ground.
- Examples: Roofs torn off well-constructed houses, mobile homes completely destroyed, large trees snapped or uprooted.
- Impact: Major structural damage, with some buildings partially collapsing.
EF3: Severe (136-165 mph)
- Description: EF3 tornadoes cause severe damage.
- Typical Damage: Entire stories of well-constructed houses destroyed, severe damage to large buildings such as shopping malls, trains overturned, trees debarked, heavy cars lifted off ground and thrown.
- Examples: Entire stories of well-constructed houses destroyed, severe damage to large buildings, trains overturned.
- Impact: Widespread and severe damage, with some areas becoming uninhabitable.
EF4: Devastating (166-200 mph)
- Description: EF4 tornadoes cause devastating damage.
- Typical Damage: Well-constructed houses and whole frame houses completely leveled, cars thrown and small missiles generated.
- Examples: Well-constructed houses and whole frame houses completely leveled, cars thrown.
- Impact: Catastrophic damage, with most buildings destroyed or heavily damaged.
EF5: Incredible (over 200 mph)
- Description: EF5 tornadoes are the most intense and cause incredible damage.
- Typical Damage: Strong frame houses leveled off foundations and swept away, automobile-sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 meters (109 yards), high-rise buildings have significant structural deformation, and incredible phenomena will occur.
- Examples: Strong frame houses leveled off foundations and swept away, automobile-sized missiles fly through the air.
- Impact: Total destruction, with few structures left standing.
The Enhanced Fujita Scale provides a detailed classification of tornado intensity based on observed damage. It helps meteorologists and emergency responders assess the severity of tornadoes and communicate the potential impact to the public. Understanding this scale is crucial for tornado preparedness and response.
Monitoring Weather Conditions
Staying informed about weather conditions is crucial for tornado preparedness. Utilize weather radios, mobile apps, and local news to receive timely warnings and updates. A reliable weather radio can be picked up at Walmart or your local hardware store. The National Weather Service issues two types of alerts: Tornado Watch and Tornado Warning. A Tornado Watch indicates that tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area, while a Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
Developing a Family Emergency Plan
A well-thought-out family emergency plan can make a significant difference during a tornado. Here are the key steps to develop an effective plan:
1. Designate a Safe Room: Identify a safe room in your home where family members can take shelter during a tornado. Ideal locations include basements, storm cellars, or small, windowless interior rooms on the lowest floor. Ensure that everyone in your family knows the location of the safe room.
2. Emergency Contacts: Compile a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, hospitals, and family members. Make sure every family member has a copy of this list.
3. Communication Plan: Establish a communication plan for staying in touch during and after a tornado. This may include having a designated out-of-town contact, using text messages, and setting up meeting points.
4. Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. Store this kit in your designated safe room.
Fortifying Your Home
Strengthening your home to withstand tornadoes can reduce damage and protect your family. Here are some measures you can take:
1. Secure the Roof: Reinforce your roof with hurricane straps or clips to keep it attached to the walls. Consider installing a reinforced roof covering.
2. Install Storm Shutters: Protect windows and glass doors with storm shutters or impact-resistant glass to prevent them from shattering during a tornado.
3. Reinforce Garage Doors: Garage doors are often vulnerable during tornadoes. Install a bracing kit to strengthen them and prevent them from being blown in.
4. Anchor Large Furniture: Secure large furniture, such as bookcases and cabinets, to the walls to prevent them from tipping over during strong winds.
5. Trim Trees and Secure Outdoor Items: Regularly trim trees to remove weak branches that could become projectiles during a tornado—secure outdoor items like patio furniture, grills, and trash cans.
Conducting Drills and Education
Regular drills and education are essential to ensure your family knows what to do during a tornado. Practice tornado drills at least twice a year, ensuring everyone can reach the safe room quickly. Educate family members about the signs of a tornado, such as dark, greenish skies, large hail, and a loud roar similar to a freight train. Teach children to recognize emergency alerts and what actions to take if they are alone.
Knowing What to Do During a Tornado
When a tornado warning is issued, or if you see signs of a tornado, take immediate action:
1. Seek Shelter Immediately: Go to your designated safe room or the safest location in your home. If you are outside or in a vehicle, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If none is available, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head.
2. Protect Yourself: Use a helmet, mattress, or heavy blankets to protect yourself from flying debris. Avoid windows and cover yourself to minimize injury from shattered glass.
3. Monitor Alerts: Monitor weather alerts until the danger has passed. Tornadoes can occur in quick succession, so stay alert.
After the Tornado
After a tornado has passed, it is essential to take certain steps to ensure safety and begin the recovery process:
1. Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and family members for injuries. Administer first aid and seek medical attention if necessary.
2. Avoid Hazards: Be cautious of downed power lines, broken glass, and sharp debris. Wear sturdy shoes and gloves when moving through debris.
3. Inspect Your Home: Carefully inspect your home for damage. Check for structural issues, gas leaks, and water damage. Report any hazards to local authorities.
4. Document Damage: Take photos and document all damage for insurance claims. Contact your insurance company to begin the claims process.
5. Seek Assistance: For immediate needs such as shelter, food, and medical care, utilize local resources and assistance from organizations like the Red Cross and FEMA.
Community Preparedness
Community-wide preparedness can enhance individual efforts and improve overall safety. Participate in local emergency preparedness programs and engage with community leaders to develop and practice coordinated response plans. Encourage neighbors to create emergency plans and assist those needing additional support, such as the elderly or disabled.
Conclusion
Preparing your family and home for tornadoes involves understanding the nature of these storms, staying informed about weather conditions, developing a comprehensive emergency plan, fortifying your home, and conducting regular drills. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with tornadoes and ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones. Remember that preparedness is an ongoing process that requires continuous attention and adjustment based on new information and changing circumstances. By following the guidelines and recommendations outlined in this article, you can ensure that you and your family are well-prepared to face the threat of tornadoes.
For more detailed information and resources, visit the websites of the National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross, and other reputable organizations dedicated to disaster preparedness and response. Also, be sure to check out “The Practical Guide to Family Preparedness” on Amazon for more details on this topic and many others.
Sources:
1. National Weather Service (NWS) - Tornado Safety: https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado
2. National Weather Service (NWS) - Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale): https://www.weather.gov/oun/efscale
3. National Weather Service (NWS) - Tornado Safety: https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-during
4. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Make a Plan: https://www.ready.gov/plan
5. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Community Preparedness: https://www.ready.gov/community-preparedness
6. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Tornadoes: https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes
7. American Red Cross - Tornado Safety: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/tornado.html
8. American Red Cross - Community Preparedness: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/community-preparedness.html
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Tornadoes: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/tornadoes/index.html
10. Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) - Tornado Mitigation: https://www.flash.org/tornado.php
11. Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) - Tornadoes: https://ibhs.org/tornadoes/
12. American Meteorological Society (AMS) - Enhanced Fujita Scale: https://www.ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams/education-careers/careers/career-guides-tools/all-about-tornadoes/tornado-intensity-and-damage