Tornado Safety Tips, Warning Signs & How to Prepare

Tornado Safety Tips, Warning Signs & How to Prepare Tornadoes are one of nature’s most powerful and unpredictable storms. Understanding the warning signs, preparing for a tornado, and knowing what to do during one can make a huge difference in ensuring your safety. Here's everything you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones. 1. Understanding Tornadoes A tornado is a rotating column of air that forms when warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air. This collision creates thunderstorms, and under the right conditions, a tornado can develop. Tornadoes can strike with little warning, making it essential to be prepared at all times. 2. Tornado Warning Signs While tornadoes can form quickly, there are some key signs that might indicate one is near: Greenish or Darkened Sky: If the sky takes on a strange greenish hue, it's often a sign of large, severe thunderstorms, and a tornado could follow. Large, Low, and Dark Storm Clouds: If you see a large, low, and dark cloud that seems to be rotating, this is a sign that a tornado might be forming. Hail or Heavy Rain: Tornadoes are often preceded by heavy rainfall or hail. If the rain suddenly stops and the sky becomes eerily calm, a tornado could be imminent. Loud, Continuous Roar or Hum: Many tornadoes make a distinct roar or hum as they approach. If you hear a sound like a passing freight train, take immediate action. Debris in the Air: Sometimes, flying debris or low-lying clouds can indicate a tornado on the ground or in the process of forming. 3. How to Prepare for a Tornado Preparation is key to ensuring you and your family stay safe when a tornado strikes. Here are steps to take: Create an Emergency Plan Designate a Safe Room: Choose a room with no windows, preferably located on the lowest floor of your house, such as a basement or an interior room in the center of the house (like a bathroom or closet).