Tornado terms, facts, how to stay protected

During a Tornado Watch, radio and t.v. stations will broadcast an alert message. This term refers to a time when tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Tornado Warning is when a tornado has actually been sighted or indicated by a weather radar. During this time, take shelter immeadiately. The County -- City storm sirens will sound. Do not drive towards a storm cell, if at all possilbe take shelther where you are.

If a Tornado Warning is active for the entire county, the Fort Scott Fire Dept. will sound the sirens one timem and then turn them off, to alert the citizens of the warning.

If there are indications of an imminent tornado, detected on a path towards any of the Bourbon County cities or townships, the storm sirens will sound continuously until the threat is passed.

Be advised there is no all clear signal at this time, so the all clear will be the stop of the sirens. When the sirens stop running, the immediate threat has passed.

Before a tornado, listen to the radio and be alert for changing weather conditions. Look for any approaching storms.

Look for the following danger signs, which may indicate a tornado:

* Dark, often greenish sky

* Large Hail

* A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)

* Loud roar, similar to the sound of a freight train

If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

During a Tornado

If you are under a Tornado Warning, seek shelter immediatley. Do not delay, this means a tornado has formed and been spotted.

If you are in a structure (residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, shopping center, high-rise building) go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm shelter, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

If you are in a vehicle, trailer or a mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

If you are outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. When lying down, be aware of the potential for flooding.

Do not get under an overpass or bridge. It is safter to be in a low, flat location.

Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for a safe shelter.

Watch out for flying depris. Flying debris from tornados causes most fatalities and injuries.

Facts about Tornados

* They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.

* They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.

* The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornados have been known to move in any direction. (The recent tornados of May 10, in Newton County moved in a Southeasterly direction).

* The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 m.p.h., but may vary from stationary to 70 m.p.h.

* Waterspouts are tornados that form over water.

* Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May, in the northern states it is late spring through early summer.

* Tornados are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.

* Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.

* Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.

-- Submitted by

Keith Jeffers

Bourbon County

Emergency Manager