Safety Tips for Tornadoes, Thunderstorms and High Winds

Any time a tornado watch is issued in Central Florida, the American Red Cross Mid-Florida Region offers advice for people to prepare and take steps to mitigate damage. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors by following these steps in case of a tornado, thunderstorm or high winds:

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TORNADO

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan:

• Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
• If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing:

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and manual can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings:

• Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
• Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
  A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
  A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.

When a Tornado WATCH Is Issued:

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.
• Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

When a Tornado WARNING Is Issued:

• If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
• If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
• If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).

After the Tornado Passes:

• Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
• Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage
• Do not use candles at any time.

More on Orlando Weather:

• Orlando Monthly Average Temperatures
• Florida & Orlando Web Cams
• Severe Thunderstorm Safety
• Hurricane Information