 |
  |
  |
  |
|
 |
|
|
|
TORNADO
WATCH OR WARNING
A wide range of natural disasters occurs within the United States every year.
Natural disasters can have a devastating effect on you and your home. The
Federal Emergency Management Agency's U.S. Fire Administration encourages
you to use the following safety tips to help protect yourself, your family
and your home from the potential threat of fire during or after a tornado.
You can greatly reduce your chances of becoming afire casualty by being able
to identify potential hazards and following the outlined safety tips.
A tornado watch means that weather conditions will support the formation of a tornado and a tornado may occur in your area. Listen to local radio/television, or NOAA Weather Radio for information and advice.
A tornado warning means that a tornado has actually been sighted or has been indicated by radar and may strike your vicinity. Take action to protect yourself from being blown away, struck by falling objects, or injured by flying debris.
Your best protection is an underground shelter or substantial steel framed or reinforced concrete building. If you are at home, go to an underground cellar or basement. Or go to a corner of your basement and take cover under a sturdy workbench or table, but be sure not to be directly under heavy appliances on an upper floor. If you have no basement, take cover in the center of the house on the lowest floor, or take refuge in a small room such as a bathroom or closet. Stay away from windows, which pose a threat of flying glass and debris.
Do not remain in a trailer or mobile home. They are very susceptible to damage from tornadoes. Take cover in a shelter or lie flat in a ground depression or ditch-line.
If you are in a car, DO NOT TRY TO OUTRUN A TORNADO! If one has been sighted near you, park your car immediately and seek refuge in a building, a shelter or a ditch.
SOME TYPES OF FIRE RELATED HAZARDS PRESENT DURING
AND AFTER A TORNADO
Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers, and leaking
vehicle gas tanks may explode or ignite.
Debris can easily ignite, especially if electrical wires are severed.
Pools of water and even appliances can be electrically charged.
Generators are often used during power outages. Generators that are not properly
used and maintained can be very hazardous.
Alternative heating devices used incorrectly create fire hazards. Proper use
and maintenance can decrease the possibility of a fire.
Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
CHEMICAL SAFETY
Look for combustible liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner
that may have spilled. Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in
a well-ventilated area. Keep combustible liquids away from the heat sources.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable
TV feeds.
Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose
prongs and plugs.
Exposed outlets and wiring could present a fire and life safety hazard.
Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.
GAS SAFETY
Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas
leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open.
Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion.
Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.
GENERATOR SAFETY
Follow the manufacture's instructions and guidelines when using generators.
Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the home, CO fumes
are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load.
Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage
to a cord may go unnoticed.
Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The
reverse flow of electricity or "backfeed" can electrocute an unsuspecting
utility worker.
HEATING SAFETY
Kerosene heaters may not be legal in your area and should only be used where
approved by authorities.
Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being
a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3
feet away.
Make sure your alternative heaters have "tip switches." These "tip
switches" are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event
they tip over.
Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested
guidelines.
Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
Refuel heaters only outdoors.
Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, and at least 3 feet away from
combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate
ventilation.
Use a glass or metal screen in front of our fireplace to prevent sparks from
igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items.
AND REMEMBER
Be careful when using candles. Keep the flame away from combustible objects
and out of the reach of children.
Some smoke alarms may be dependent on your home's electrical service and could
be inoperative during a power outage. Check to see if your smoke alarm uses
a back-up battery and install a new battery at least once a year.
Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home.
All smoke alarms should be tested monthly. All batteries should be replaced
with new ones at least once a year.
If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of debris for easy
access by the fire department. 
What To Do In Case Of A Tornado
Occasionally, there are tornadoes along the Front Range. It is important to know the difference between a watch and a warning. A tornado watch means that conditions are right for a tornado to develop; a tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted and people in the affected area should seek shelter immediately. Longmont’s outdoor warning system will sound when there is an emergency, including when a tornado has been sighted. Here are some suggestions that can increase your safety during tornado watches and warnings.
|
Do: * Listen to local radio/TV stations for weather updates. * Move to an underground shelter like a basement,
or an interior room or hallway if a warning is in effect for your area. |
Don't: * Stand near windows -- this makes you vulnerable to shattered glass and flying objects. * Try to outrun a tornado in your car. If a tornado has been sighted near you, leave your car immediately and seek refuge in a building or a ditch. * Take shelter in a mobile home -- they are especially
susceptible to tornado/wind damage. |
Finally, treat emergency alerts such as Longmont’s outdoor emergency warning system seriously. They are put in place for you and your family’s information and safety. If you need further assistance please contact: Dan Eamon, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at 225 Kimbark St., Longmont, CO 80501-5912 or phone him at 303-651-8433.