Before a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado

It is encouraged that families discuss what to do in the event of severe storms and tornadoes. Many times we are separated when storms develop. It is reassuring for all members of the family, if they have planned ahead, practice and know that each member will do their part to protect themselves. This helps to lessen the fear and stress that is often associated with severe weather and the unknown.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are favorable for a severe thunderstorm to develop. Take necessary precautions. Be aware of any rapid changes, in weather conditions. Monitor local radio, television networks, or your weather alert radio for further potential developments.

TORNADO WATCH
A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop. "Watch the skies!" Take necessary precautions, be aware of rapid changes in weather conditions. Monitor local radio, television networks, or your weather alert radio.

TORNADO WARNING
A tornado warning means that dangerous weather is already occurring. The condition is eminent. A tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY!

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING AND TORNADO WATCH
These two conditions indicate that dangerous weather is very likely. TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY and monitor your local radio and television networks for further details. Tornadoes can suddenly develop from Severe Thunderstorms, for which the National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, while a Tornado Watch is already posted.

Be aware of dangerous lightning, hail, damaging winds, and possible flash flooding. Take all necessary precautions.

BEFORE SEVERE WEATHER....PLAN & EXERCISE!

• Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school and when outdoors.
• Have frequent drills to test the plan.
• Know your community, and keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.
• Have a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alert tone actuated that activates automatically when the National Weather Service issues a watch or warning. Make certain it has a battery backup capability, so it will work when electric is disrupted. These are inexpensive devices for the home or office!
• Listen to radio, television or weather alert radio for information and updates!
• If planning a trip outdoors, listen to the latest forecasts and take necessary action if threatening weather is possible.
• Learn first aid and CPR.
• Assemble a family disaster supply kit
• Pick two alternate family reunion places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire; and, a place away from your neighborhood in case you family members cannot return home.
• Choose an out-of-state friend as your "family check-in contact" for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones. Keep telephone numbers on you at all times.
• Inspect your home for potential hazards (such as item that can move, fall, break or catch fire) and correct them. An organized home is a safety and prepared home. Clutter can lead to increased risks to your family.
• Teach all members of your family where the main utility shut offs are located.
• Move cars inside a garage or carport, if possible, to avoid damage from hail that often accompanies severe storms, when a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch is issued. Don't wait, until the actual Warning!
• Move lawn furniture and yard equipment inside, if time permits. Otherwise, they could become damaged or act as dangerous projectiles, causing serious injury or damage.
• Avoid using the telephone, emergency only, and any electrical appliances. Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances.
• Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any purpose, during severe thunderstorms! Lightning can travel down water pipes, electrical or telephone lines.
• Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job!

TORNADO SAFETY IN SCHOOLS

• Develop a severe weather action plan and have frequent drills
  
• Each school should be inspected and tornado shelter areas designated.
• Basements offer the best protection. Schools without basements should use interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor and stay away from windows. (St Charles County Division of Emergency Management is available to assist in emergency plans, please call our office at (314)949- 3023.)
  
• Those responsible for activating the plan should monitor NOAA Weather radio or the local commercial media. (See Early Detection,
• Communications & Warning Systems available and installed in the all Schools, within St Charles County).
  
• If the school's alarm system relies on electricity, have a compressed air horn or megaphone to activate the alarm in case of power failure.
  
• Make special provisions for disabled students and those in portable classrooms.
  
• Make sure someone knows how to turn-off electricity, gas or water in the event the school is damaged.
  
• Plans should have state the line of succession for each authority or position responsible for implementation or critical segment of plan, at least three deep.
  
• Keep children at school beyond regular hours, if threatening weather is expected. Children are safer at school, than in a bus or car. Students should not be sent home early, if severe weather is approaching.
  
• Lunches or assemblies in large rooms should be delayed, if severe weather is anticipated. Gymnasiums, cafeterias and auditoriums offer no protection from tornado-strength winds.
  
• Move students quickly into interior rooms or hallways, on the lowest floor. Have them get down on their knees, bend over and cover their head with their hands.
  
• At the first sign of severe weather students should be brought inside from their outside activities.

Schools in St Charles County have been very proactive in disaster preparedness!

IT'S UP TO YOU!
Each year, many people are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes despite advance warning. Some did not hear the warning while others received the warning, but did not believe a tornado would actually affect them. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible. Remain alert for signs of an approaching severe thunderstorm or tornado. Flying debris from tornadoes or micro-downburst cause most deaths and injuries. Keep in mind that severe straight-line (micro-downburst) winds can suddenly develop from a Severe Thunderstorm, as well as tornadoes. Also, lightning is another dangerous risk to life. Hail causes major damages to property each year. Keep all these facts in mind!

After you have received the warning or observe threatening skies, YOU must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm arrives. It could be the most important decision you will ever make.