Unfortunately the beauty that is Spring in Georgia brings something not so beautiful -- tornado season. Downtown Atlanta experienced that first hand on March 14, 2008 when an F-3 category* tornado hit the area head-on causing extensive damage and killing one person. From a meterological standpoint, the Atlanta tornado was unusual in that it wasn't associated with a squall line but, rather, a super cell drifting well in advance of an approaching storm front.
How can I protect myself?
As a Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteer, I come out after the storm is over and help you to pick up the pieces. However, in this blog, I would like to present some safety tips that - hopefully - will keep both you and your loved ones safe should a tornado occur.
Before a storm hits -
Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school, and outdoors.
Know the area where you live and keep an highway nearby where you can follow the storm's track based on weather bulletins.
Have a NOAA weather radio with alarm feature - and battery-powered back up - to receive weather information, watches, and warnings. (The frequency for the local NOAA station that serves the Metro Atlanta area is 162.550 Mhz.)
If you have to be outside and severe weather is possible, keep an eye on the sky, and take shelter IMMEDIATELY if a tornado apeears imminent.
If a warning is issued or severe weather is approaching -
Seek shelter on the lowest level of your home, business, or school. If possible, seek shelter away from windows due to the danger of them being blown out.
If you are caught outside (or are in your car) find the nearest ditch or depression and lie as near flat as possible.
* F-3 Tornado (based on the Enhanced Fujita Scale) has winds of 136 - 165 MPH. It is capable of causing major damage to large building as well as overturning railroad cars and completely stripping the bark from a tree.
(Source: Wikipedia.com)
Until next time . . . stay safe!
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