Tornado Safety Tips Your Family Can Use | SERVPRO® of Central Union County & SERVPRO® of Western Essex County

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

If your home or business has been damaged by a tornado, know that we are ready to jump into action and get cleanup & restoration underway.

Springtime weather can be unpredictable and create the perfect conditions for a tornado. You should always be prepared for the chance of severe thunderstorms that contribute to tornadoes.

In April and May, we traditionally have the highest occurrences of tornadoes at 30% and 24% respectively, which means we are currently in the height of tornado season throughout the United States.

Included in this blog are some tips and information on tornadoes that can help keep your family prepared for the worst possible scenario.

Each year, roughly 1,200 tornadoes occur in the U.S., and they develop from thunderstorms, especially those known as “supercells.”

When changes in wind speed and direction create a horizontal spinning effect within a storm cell, a tornado forms. This is then tipped vertical by rising air moving up through the thunderclouds.

When a tornado first develops, the signature funnel cloud is transparent, but it will become visible when water droplets from the storm’s moist air condense or when dust and debris are picked up. A typical tornado can grow to be 660 feet wide and will move at 10 to 20 miles per hour, although larger and faster have been observed. Hail and intense winds of over 200 mph can accompany tornadoes.

Tornadoes usually occur during spring and summer late in the afternoon, but please remember that they can occur anytime and anywhere.

<h4you-should-do-during-a-tornado-warning">What You Should Do During a Tornado Warning

Educate yourself about the differences between tornado watches and tornado warnings. A watch is issued if conditions are favorable for tornadoes, while a warning is issued when a tornado has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar.

If you are in the path of a “warned” tornado, it is vital to take immediate action and find a safe shelter.

Shelter options include:

• Underground options like a basement or storm shelter.
• The lowest part of your home, in an area that is away from outside walls, doors and windows. Interior closets and bathrooms can be ideal options.
• If you are outside, try to get to a sturdy building. Mobile homes and trailers are not a safe option.
• If on the road and no building access is available, do not get under an overpass or bridge. Instead, find a low, flat location and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

Make sure that you have flashlights, a battery-powered weather radio and extra batteries readily available in your selected tornado shelter at home. Also, when you are taking shelter in your home, you can provide additional cover by using furniture items like couch cushions, mattresses or blankets to help in keeping your head and neck covered.

When caught out on the road during a tornado, DO NOT try to outrun it!

Tornadoes can wreak absolute havoc on the areas where they touch down. While meteorologists and weather services can provide some advanced warning to potential threats, tornadoes can still occur with little to no warning at all.

If your home or business has been damaged by a tornado, know that SERVPRO® of Central Union County & SERVPRO® of Western Essex County is ready and waiting to jump into action and get cleanup and restoration of your property underway.