| |
Be Ready
for
Tornado
Season
March,
April,
and May
are peak
months
for
tornadoes
in
Illinois.
While
most
tornadoes
are
relatively
weak in
intensity,
wind
speeds
can
range
from 70
to
almost
300
miles
per
hour.
Improved
tracking
systems
such as
Doppler
radar
and
volunteer
spotters
have
decreased
the
numbers
of
injuries
and
deaths
in
Illinois.
"But,
these
improvements
should
not lull
us into
thinking
we are
fully
protected,"
says
Duane
Friend,
University
of
Illinois
Extension
natural
resources
educator.
"Preparing
a
tornado
plan,
being
aware of
watches
and
warnings,
and
constructing
or
strengthening
buildings
against
wind
damage
will
help
keep
people
from
being
caught
in a
dangerous
situation."
Everyone
living
in the
home
should
know
where to
gather
if a
tornado
is
approaching.
This can
be a
basement,
center
hallway,
bathroom
or
closet
on the
lowest
floor
and away
from
windows.
Knowing
the
difference
between
a
tornado
watch
and a
tornado
warning
is
equally
important.
A
tornado
watch
means
conditions
are
favorable
for
tornado
formation.
A
tornado
warning
means a
tornado
has
actually
been
sighted
or that
radar is
showing
an area
with
strong
circulating
winds.
Watches
and
warnings
are
issued
for
individual
counties.
When
severe
weather
is
approaching,
listen
to the
radio or
watch
for
weather
updates
on TV.
If a
watch is
announced,
continue
to
listen
for
further
updates.
Be alert
for
changing
weather
conditions.
If you
are at
home and
a
tornado
warning
is
announced,
go to
the
designated
gathering
spot. If
you are
outside
and see
a
tornado
approaching,
try to
get to a
low-lying
area,
away
from
power
lines or
other
potential
hazards.
"After a
tornado
passes,
do not
venture
into
damaged
areas
where
fallen
power
lines
may be
present,"
says
Friend.
"Continue
to
listen
to the
radio
for
information
and
instructions."
Residents
in
mobile
homes
are at
greater
risk.
Statistics
have
shown
occupants
in these
structures
should
seek
alternate
shelter
when a
tornado
is
approaching.
The
National
Weather
Service
and the
American
Red
Cross
recommend
residents
leave
the
mobile
home and
seek
shelter
in a
low-lying
area if
no
sturdy
building
or
structure
is
available.
Many
homes
can be
reinforced
or built
to
lessen
the
impact
of high
winds.
Using
metal
connectors
for
studs,
rafters,
joists
and
trusses
will
greatly
strengthen
homes.
There
are many
types of
prefabricated
connectors
available.
The
easiest
time to
install
reinforcements
is
during
construction,
typically
adding
only 1
to 3
percent
to
construction
costs.
The
Illinois
Emergency
Management
Agency
has
information
on
design
and
application
measures
to
decrease
the
impacts
of high
winds.
The
Windstorm
Mitigation
Manual
for
Light
Frame
Construction
provides
information
on
designing
and
framing
concepts
that can
be used
to
strengthen
homes.
For more
information
on this
booklet,
contact
the
Illinois
Emergency
Management
Agency,
Mitigation
Staff at
(217)
782-8719.
|
