Dallas Stars' Joe Nieuwendyk talks about tornado safety
Before the Storm...
- Develop a plan for you and your family at home, work, school, and when outdoors.Tornado WATCH - Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
- Know the county/parish in which you live, and keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.
- Have a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive weather warnings.
- Learn the NWS tornado watch and warning terminology...
Tornado WARNING - A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.
Severe Thunderstorm WATCH - Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.
Severe Thunderstorm WARNING - Severe thunderstorms are imminent or occurring.
If a warning is issued or threatening weather approaches...
- In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
- If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
- Stay away from windows.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.
- If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression, but beware of heavy rains which may produce flooding.
- Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned for a more sturdy structure.
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