Tornado safety is important
What to do if there’s a tornado coming to a zip code near you is the most important thing you need to know now at this time of year.
I can’t recall another time in my life when there have been so many continuous days that contained the threat of severe weather.
As this commentary is being written, multiple weather forecasters are predicting that severe weather including high winds, large hail and heavy storms and the possibly of strong tornadoes are all highly likely to occur in our zip codes today.
Recently, some tornadoes rolled through our area touching down near Mayetta, Whiting, Denison and Effingham.
Follow The Holton Recorder on twitter - @HoltonRecorder – and also follow The National Weather Service - @NWSTopeka and other reputable weather sources on your phone and online, sign up for local weather alerts and also watch the sky.
The following information about protecting yourself and your family in the event of severe weather cannot be overstated or repeated too often.
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If you are at home during a tornado:
*Go to a windowless interior room on lowest level of your house. Go to a storm cellar or basement if your house has one. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
*Get away from the windows.
*Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.
*Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
*Use your arms to protect head and neck.
*If you are in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere.
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If you are at work or school during a tornado:
*Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level.
*Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls.
*Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
*Use your arms to protect head and neck.
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If you are outdoors during a tornado:
*If possible, get inside a building. In Holton, go to the Public Safety Building located on Fourth Street across the street south of Jackson County EMS.
*If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Despending on where your are, you may have to look out for flood waters which may also fill low areas.
*Use your arms to protect head and neck.
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If you are in a car during a tornado:
*Never try to drive faster than a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air.
*Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.
*If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Depending on where you are, be aware of the potential for flooding.
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When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from severe weather, don’t take any chances. Take every precaution!
