Community Corner

The Difference Between Life and Death: Experts Say Planning is Key in Preparing for Tornadoes

A local meteorologist from National Weather Service offers tips in the event of a tornado warning.

With the area in full swing of trying to aide those the Good Friday and Joplin tornadoes affected, the best advice in preparing for severe weather is to plan ahead, according to Ben Miller, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s (NWS) St. Louis Office.

“Know what you are going to do before it happens,” Miller said. “For families, figure out where you usually are and where you’re going to go in the event of severe weather.”

For detailed information from the NWS on severe weather preparedness and setting up plans for your family, click here.

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Also important, Miller said, is knowing the difference between a tornado watch and a warning.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado, he said. Watches are usually issued several hours in advance of the development of a tornado.

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A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or meteorologists are seeing signs on radar that a tornado is imminent, he said. You should take shelter immediately when a tornado warning is issued.

“Go to the lowest level of the house, preferably a basement,” he said. “If that’s not possible, get into a bathtub and cover yourself with a mattress. A bathtub’s structure, especially the older ones, offers more protection.”

The NWS recommends the following in the event of a tornado warning: 

  • Go to a basement - it is the safest place.
  • For extra protection, hide under sturdy furniture.
  • If a basement is not available, go to the lowest level and move to the center.
  • Go to an interior, small room.
  • Keep as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible.
  • Stay away from windows and doors.
  • If you live in a mobile home, leave it immediately and move to a permanent structure or designated shelter.
  • As a last resort for mobile home owners, move to a low area outside, such as a ditch or ravine, stay low and protect your head.


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