The Oregon coast was slammed overnight by strong winds of 100mph and this morning people received tornado warnings on their phones and via broadcast media when at least one tornado touched down in the coastal town of Manzanita. Some took to social media asking, “What does this mean?” and “What should I do?”
Since tornados are a rarity in Oregon and Washington, people in the region cannot be blamed for being unaware of what actions to be taken when encountering a tornado warning.
The following information has been compiled from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center in an effort to answer those questions before any tornado warnings occur in our part of the world.
What is a tornado watch?
It does not mean a tornado is imminent but that you need to be alert and prepared to go to safe shelter if a warning is issued. This is the time to turn to local news sources, turn on and set the alarm switch on your weather radio, make sure you have ready access to safe shelter and make your friends and family aware of the potential for tornadoes in the area.
Click for more information
Click for more informationWhat is a tornado warning?
A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or weather radar indicates a thunderstorm circulation which can spawn a tornado. Take immediate safety precautions when a tornado warning is issued for your town or county.
What should people do when there is a tornado warning?
That depends on where you are.
In a house with a basement
Avoid windows. Get in the basement and under sturdy protection such as a heavy table or work bench or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Know where very heavy objects rest on the floor above (e.g. pianos, refrigerators, waterbeds) and do not take a position under them. They may fall down through the weakened floor. A helmet can offer some protection against head injury.
In a house with no basement, a dorm, or an apartment
Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell or in an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the floor facing down and cover your head with your hands. A bath tub may offer a shell of partial protection. Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (e.g. mattress, blankets), to protect against falling debris in case the roof and ceiling fail. A helmet can offer some protection against head injury.
Click for more information
Click for more informationIn an office building, hospital, nursing home or skyscraper
Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building that is away from glass and on the lowest floor possible. Crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter and, if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly. Stay off elevators since you could become trapped if power is lost.
In a mobile home
Get out! Even if the mobile home is tied down it is not as safe as an underground shelter or permanent, sturdy building. Go to a shelters or nearby permanent structure.
At school
Follow the drill! Go to the interior hall or windowless room in an orderly way as instructed. Crouch low, head down and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms like gyms and auditoriums.
In a car or truck
Vehicles are extremely risky in a tornado. There is no safe option when caught in a tornado in a car, just slightly less-dangerous ones. If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. Seek shelter in a sturdy building, or underground if possible. If you are caught by extreme winds or flying debris, park the car as quickly and safely as possible — out of the traffic lanes. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat, or other cushion if possible. If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway,leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris.
Click for more information
Click for more informationIn the open outdoors
If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If not, lie flat and face-down on low ground protecting the back of your head with your arms. Get as far away from trees and cars as you can since they may be blown onto you in a tornado.
In a shopping mall or large store
Do not panic. Watch for others. Move as quickly as possible to an interior bathroom, storage room or other small enclosed area away from windows.
In a church or theater
Do not panic. If possible, move quickly but orderly to an interior bathroom or hallway away from windows. Crouch face-down and protect your head with your arms. If there is no time to do that, get under the seats or pews protecting your head with your arms or hands.