Emergency Response - Tornadoes
Background Information
Tornadoes can occur throughout the year, but Ohio鈥檚 peak tornado season is April through July.
A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop.
A tornado warning means a funnel cloud or tornado has been sighted by a qualified spotter or has been detected on radar.
If weather conditions are threatening, seek safety immediately and take necessary actions to protect life and property. Listen to a NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio or local TV or radio station for continued weather reports.
You can prepare for tornado emergencies by keeping a NOAA weather radio or battery-powered radio in your office and by identifying your best tornado shelter before a warning occurs.
Action Steps
What to do in a tornado warning:
- Remain calm.
- If notified of a tornado warning, PROCEED IMMEDIATELY to a basement or the lowest level of building.
- USE ELEVATORS IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY OR ARE HELPING A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY.
- Stay away from windows, glass, stairwells, and unsecured objects.
- Stay tuned to a media outlet for notification of an 鈥渁ll-clear.鈥
- Do not contact the 51社区 Police unless an emergency situation exists.
- In the event of an emergency, call 593-1911 to contact 51社区 Police.
If outdoors in a tornado warning:
- SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.
- Lie in low-lying ditch, culvert, or at low land levels.
- Protect your face and head.
What to do in a tornado watch:
- Be prepared to seek shelter.
- Determine the location of the nearest shelter.
- Listen to TV or radio for further weather reports.
- Realize the next step could be a warning.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Advise others of severe weather conditions.
- If weather grows threatening, SEEK SHELTER even if you hear no tornado warnings.