How to survive a tornado
- 1. Tornadoes A Guide On How To Survive One
- 2. What are tornadoes? • A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of up to 300 mph. They can destroy large buildings, uproot trees and hurl vehicles hundreds of yards. They can also drive straw into trees. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide to 50 miles long. In an average year, 1000 tornadoes are reported nationwide.
- 3. How a tornado is born • Most tornadoes form from thunderstorms. You need warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cool, dry air from Canada. When these two air masses meet, they create instability in the atmosphere. A change in wind direction and an increase in wind speed with increasing height creates an invisible, horizontal spinning effect in the lower atmosphere. Rising air within the updraft tilts the rotating air from horizontal to vertical. An area of rotation, 2-6 miles wide, now extends through much of the storm. Most strong and violent tornadoes form within this area of strong rotation.
- 4. The fajita scale EFO 65-85 mph Light damage: Branches broken off trees; minor roof damage.
- 5. EF1 86-110 mph Moderate damage: Trees snapped; mobile home pushed off foundations; roofs damaged.
- 6. EF2 111-135 mph Considerable damage: Mobile homes demolished; trees uprooted; strong built homes unroofed.
- 7. • EF3 136-165 mph Severe damage: Trains overturned; cars lifted off the ground; strong built homes have outside walls blown away.
- 8. • EF4 166-200 mph Devastating damage: Houses levelled leaving piles of debris; cars thrown 300 yards or more in the air.
- 9. • Incredible damage: Strongly built homes completely blown away; automobile-sized missiles generated EF5 over 200 mph
- 10. How to survive a tornado BEFORE A TORNADO: Have a disaster plan. Make sure everyone knows where to go in case a tornado threatens. Make sure you know which county or parish you live in. Prepare a kit with emergency food for your home. Have enough food and water for at least 3 days. DURING A TORNADO: Go to a basement. If you do not have a basement, go to an interior room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or closet. If you can, get under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table. If you live in a mobile home get out. They offer little protection against tornadoes. Get out of automobiles. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car, leave it immediately. If you’re outside, go to a ditch or low lying area and lie flat in it. Stay away from fallen power lines and stay out of damaged areas. IF YOU’RE AT SCHOOL DURING A TORNADO: Every school should have a disaster plan and have frequent drills. Basements offer the best protection. Schools without basements should use interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor away from windows. Crouch down on your knees and protect your head with your arms. AFTER A TORNADO: Stay indoors until it is safe to come out. Check for injured or trapped people, without putting yourself in danger. Watch out for downed power lines. Use a flashlight to inspect your home.
- 11. Thank you for watching!!!!