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Tornadoes
Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. They can appear suddenly without warning and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel cloud appears. Planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter is a matter of survival. Be prepared to act quickly. Keep in mind that while tornadoes are more common in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest, they can occur in any state and at any time of the year, making advance preparation vitally important.
Step 1 Be Informed
Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a tornado hazard.
- A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area.
- A tornado warning is when a tornado is actually occurring, take shelter immediately.
Listen to Emergency Notifications
- National Weather Service: http://alerts.weather.gov/cap/nc.php?x=1
- Buncombe County: http://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/ES/
Step 2: Make a Plan
- Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning:
- Lower level locations, basements, tornado safe rooms and shelters provide the best protection.
- If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Identify locations without windows
- In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
- Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.
- A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible.
- If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
- Plan to stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.
Step 3: Get a Kit
Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries, emergency medical supplies, first-aid items, and emergency contact numbers. Store it in your shelter location
Thunderstorms and Lightning
In the United States, lightning kills 300 people and injures 80 on average, each year. All thunderstorms produce lightning and all have the potential for danger. Those dangers can include tornadoes, strong winds, hail, wildfires and flash flooding, which is responsible for more fatalities than any other thunderstorm-related hazard.
Lightning's risk to individuals and property is increased because of its unpredictability, which emphasizes the importance of preparedness. It often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening.
Step 1: Be Informed
Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a thunderstorm hazard
- A thunderstorm watch means there is a possibility of a thunderstorm in your area.
- A thunderstorm warning means a thunderstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon. If you are advised to take shelter, do so immediately.
Listen to Emergency Notifications
- National Weather Service: http://alerts.weather.gov/cap/nc.php?x=1
- Buncombe County: http://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/ES/
Step 2: Make a Plan
- Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning:
- Lower level locations, basements, tornado safe rooms and shelters provide the best protection.
- If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Identify locations without windows
- In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
- Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.
- A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible.
- If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
- Plan to stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.
Step 3: Get a Kit
Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries, emergency medical supplies, first-aid items, and emergency contact numbers. Store it in your shelter location