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National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

Dodge City, KS

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TORNADO SAFETY TIPS

IN HOMES OR SMALL BUILDINGS: Go to the basement or cellar (if available) or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Upper floors are unsafe. If there is no time to descend, go to a closet, a small room with strong walls, or an inside hallway. Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris.

 IN SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, FACTORIES, OR SHOPPING CENTERS: Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses. Crouch down and cover your head. Don't take shelter in halls that open to the south or the west. Centrally-located stairwells are good shelter.

 IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS: Go to interior small rooms,  halls,  rest rooms or designated shelter areas. Stay away from exterior walls, elevators, doors or glassy areas.

IN CARS OR MOBILE HOMES: ABANDON THEM IMMEDIATELY!!! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter.

 IF NO SUITABLE STRUCTURE IS NEARBY: Lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to cover your head. Be alert for flash floods.

 DURING A TORNADO: Absolutely avoid buildings with large free-span roofs. Stay away from west and south walls. Remember: lowest level, smallest room, center part.

 TO PREPARE FOR A TORNADO: Store water in clean covered containers. You should keep disaster supplies in your home at all times (i.e. flashlight, radio first aid kit.).

No matter where you are, do some advance planning.. Identify protective areas you can get to in a hurry. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio that will provide an alarm if a tornado watch or warning is in affect for your county.

 

The key to tornado survival is to be prepared and to take immediate action when a warning is issued or when you spot a tornado. Remember, the actions you take during a tornado may save your life and the lives of your family.

 

BOTTOM LINE FOR TORNADO SAFETY: GET IN, GET DOWN, COVER UP!

KANSAS SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK