Tornado Watch!

Today's Weather Report: "Tornado Watch Update: Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. Stay alert, and be prepared to seek shelter in the event that a warning is issued."

I just got back from dropping off Grant at Joy School and the other mom was talking about the storm and if it got going good she would come and get the kids. There I am, oblivious of the fact that there is a tornado "watch" in effect. Apparently this is different than a "warning", but none the less we are supposed to be on alert.

How ironic that just yesterday afternoon I hosted cub scouts and our topic was weather: tornadoes. We made tornadoes in a bottle and talked about what causes them, etc. and then what to do if one comes. I always thought you run to the cellar like on Wizard of Oz, but no cellars here. You take cover on an inside wall of the house, hunker down with hands over your head, children cover with a blanket. Sound scary....ya! This is right up there with my fear of bears.

Please pray that no tornadoes come through Huntsville or Madison, Alabama (or anywhere for that matter) today!

Here is some more information on what to do if a tornado comes:

When a tornado warning has been issued, you may have very little time to prepare.
How you respond now is critical.


OBEY ADVISORIES PROMPTLY!

In A Frame Home
Carefully evaluate the situation before bringing in outdoor items.

Make sure you have a portable radio for information.

Seek shelter in the lowest level of your home (basement or storm cellar). If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway, a smaller inner room, or a closet. Keep away from all windows.

You can cushion yourself with a mattress, but do not use one to cover yourself. Do cover your head and eyes with a blanket or jacket to protect against flying debris and broken glass. Don't waste time moving mattresses around.

Keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier.

Multiple tornadoes can emerge from the same storm.

Do not go out until officials say it is safe.

In A Mobile Home
Leave your mobile home immediately and take shelter elsewhere.

Outside
Try to get inside and seek out a small protected space with no windows.

Avoid large-span roof areas such as school gymnasiums, arenas, or shopping malls.

If you cannot get inside, crouch for protection beside a strong structure, or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head and neck with your arms or a piece of clothing.

In A Car
Ideally, you should avoid driving when tornadoes or other kinds of dangerous weather threaten, as a vehicle is a very unsafe place to be. If, however, this is not possible, stay as calm as possible, and assess the situation.

Your best option might be to get out of the car and lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area that is of sufficient depth to provide protection from the wind.

If you do so, beware of water runoff from heavy rain that could pose a hazard, get as far away from the vehicle as possible, and shield your head from flying debris.

Or, more optimally, if possible take shelter immediately in a nearby building.

Do not leave a building to attempt to "escape" a tornado.

If you are already in a sturdy building, do not get in a vehicle to try to outrun a tornado.