03/04/17 - Mayor's Column: Severe Weather Preparedness

A Weekly Note from Mayor Gary L. Graham
Traditional Values, Progressive Thinking

March is the traditional start of the tornado season in the United States. Although tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, these destructive forces of nature are found most frequently in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains during the spring and summer months. According to the National Weather Service, in an average year, 1,200 tornadoes are reported nationwide, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. This week’s column will describe what a tornado is and what actions you can take to protect you and your family.

A tornado is defined as a rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. They vary in shape and size and do not always appear in a classic “twister” form. Sometimes tornadoes look more like plumes of smoke, and other times they are not visible at all, because of heavy rain or thick clouds. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can be more than one mile wide and 50 miles long. While tornadoes can occur at any time of the day or night, they are most likely to occur between 3 and 9 p.m.

During spring and summer storms, tornadoes are usually formed when warm, humid air collides with cold, dry air masses. The warm air streams upward while the cold air rushes in underneath. The in-rushing air swirls around a center of low pressure, forming a funnel.

It’s pretty easy to prepare your family and home for a tornado. The American Red Cross recommends the following:

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 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.
  • Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by the county.

When a Tornado WATCH is Issued:

  • Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
  • Be alert to changing weather conditions. 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 flying glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
  • If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby 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.

Tornadoes can happen at any time, in almost any place. The safety of our residents and their loved ones is very important to me and by working together we can make sure that everyone remains safe and sound during this year’s tornado season. The strong working relationship between City Hall and the residents we serve is yet another example of why O’Fallon is such a great community in which to live.