The communication system will be sounded upon notification of a tornado watch or warning. All persons are expected to seek shelter.
Tornado Watch: A tornado watch is the first alert issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. This watch is issued when the conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado. This specifies the potentially targeted area(s) and the time frame during which the formation of a tornado is possible. Remain alert for approaching storms, however you may continue with your routine or any activities. Turn on a battery-operated radio to stay alert of any developments.
Tornado Warning: This warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. This warning will provide the location, time of detection, area of vulnerability, and the time period that the tornado will pass through. If a tornado warning has been issued and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety. If you actually see a tornado funnel, move to the nearest shelter immediately. Turn on a battery-operated radio and wait for further instructions.
In the event that a tornado warning is issued, the guidelines listed below should be followed.
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The best protection is an underground shelter or basement, or a substantial steel-framed or reinforced concrete building. (If none are available, take refuge in other parts as indicated below.)
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In any facility always go to the lowest floor possible.
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If your residence has no basement, take cover under heavy furniture on the ground floor in the center of the building, or in a small room on the ground floor that is away from outside walls and windows.
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Stay away from windows to avoid flying debris.
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If you are outside in open country, drive away from the tornado’s path, at a right angle to it. If there isn’t time to do this – or if you are walking – take cover and lie flat in the nearest depression, such as a ditch, culvert, excavation or ravine.
AVOID AUDITORIUMS AND GYMNASIUMS or other large open areas.
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