Tornadoes and Wind Storms

We are not immune to the possibility of a tornado and I am sure there has been a time when you have considered the possibility of how one could affect you and what you need to do.  Are you prepared should one touchdown in your area?  Have you considered something smaller, like a windstorm and the damage it could do to your property, yourself or how it could affect your loved ones? 

As with any natural hazard, the best form of protection is being ready for it and knowing what is coming.  Checking the Environment Canada website; watching your local weather station or listening to your radio for updates are ways of staying up to date with what your area can expect. 
     
Things to be aware of, consider and do:

During a tornado:
At home - If a tornado warning has been issued in your area go to the basement or take shelter in a small interior ground floor room such as a bathroom, closet or hallway.  If you have no basement, protect yourself by taking shelter under a heavy table or desk. In all cases, stay away from windows, outside walls and doors. 

In an Office Building or an Apartment – Ideally you should take shelter in the basement or on the ground floor, if you cannot take cover in either of those locations find an inner hallway or room.  Do not use the elevator.  Stay away from windows. 

In a gymnasium, church or auditorium - Large buildings with wide-span roofs may collapse if a tornado hits.  If possible, find shelter in another building. If you are in one of these buildings and cannot leave, take cover under a sturdy structure such as a table or desk. 

If you live on an agricultural property - Livestock hear and sense impending tornadoes. If your family or home is at risk, the livestock will be a non-issue. If your personal safety is not an issue, you may only have time to open routes of escape for your livestock. Open the gate, if you must, and then exit the area moving in a direction away from the expected path of the twister. 

If you are in a Mobile Home - More than half of all deaths from tornadoes happen in mobile homes. Find shelter elsewhere, preferably in a building with a strong foundation.  If no shelter is available, lie down in a ditch away from the car or mobile home. Beware of flooding from downpours and be prepared to move. 

If you are in a car - If you spot a tornado in the distance go to the nearest solid shelter. If the tornado is close, get out of your car and take cover in a low-lying area away from your vehicle, such as a ditch. Beware of flooding from downpours and be prepared to move. 

If you are outside - Get as close to the ground as possible, protect your head and watch for flying debris.  Do not chase tornadoes – they are unpredictable and can change course abruptly. A tornado is deceptive. It may appear to be standing still but is, in fact, moving toward you.

This information and more is available on the Government of Canada’s website www.getprepared.ca .

Before, during and after a windstorm:

Falling trees or blowing debris cause most fatalities and also cause severe damage to buildings and vehicles.

Hydro pole and line damage cause widespread power outage. Are you prepared for a power outage?

Weathered, loose window frames are exceptionally vulnerable during severe windstorms; are your windows secure?

Garage doors are the weakest link in the outer structure of a house. Failure at this point has a domino effect.

Failure of a roof cover and structures can lead to additional damage and entry of wind and rain into the house.  Have you completed repairs to protect your property?

Exterior load-bearing walls of buildings can fail resulting in the collapse of the roof.  A light metal building can totally collapse.  Consider this when planning and practicing what to do.

Office buildings are generally structurally sound, but broken windows cause injuries inside and outside the building, leading to water damage.

Bus stop shelters and other common areas where people seek shelter are vulnerable and may collapse, resulting in significant injuries and fatalities.

Monitor your portable or weather radio for instructions or an official “all clear” notice. Radio stations will broadcast what to do, the location of emergency shelters, medical aid stations, and the extent of damage.

Turn off the stove if you’re cooking when the power goes out, and turn off natural gas appliances.

If you are indoors, move away from windows or other objects that could fall, and to lower floors in multi-story homes.

If you are outdoors, move into a building and avoid downed electric power lines, utility poles, and trees.

If you are driving, pull off the road and stop away from trees. If possible, walk into a safe building. Avoid overpasses, power lines and other hazards.

Evacuate damaged buildings. Do not re-enter until declared safe by authorities.

If the power goes out, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep food frozen for up to two days.

If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound indoors — open windows and leave the building. Turn off the gas source and call your gas company. Do not use matches, candles, open flames or electric switches indoors.