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April 12, 2007 10:20 am
Editor's notes: With tips box
Clearing up tornado myths can save lives
Whether it's local legends that declare when and where bad weather will hit, or whether windows should be opened during tornadoes, emergency management officials say knowing the truth can save your life.
By Josh Newton
CNHI News Service
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Intriguing as they may be, local legends aren't meant to be taken as weather forecasts, especially in time of severe weather.
"That hatchet buried on the west side of town ... is not going to keep severe weather from hitting Tahlequah," said Scott Pettus, Tahlequah-Cherokee County Emergency Management storm-spotter. "People need to know what to do and where to go. It's not a matter of if a tornado will hit, but when a tornado will hit."
Being alert and prepared is key to safety when severe weather events threaten the area, and taking cover immediately is imperative.
EM Assistant Director Mike Underwood said the public has a general misconception about the warning sirens.
"They are not designed to be something you hear sitting in your Lazy Boy with the TV up and all the windows shut," said Underwood. "Our sirens have about a 1- to 1-1/2-mile radius, and are outdoor warning sirens."
If the area is threatened with severe weather and the sirens sound, those in earshot must immediately take cover, said Underwood.
"If you hear the sirens, make no phone calls; get to a safe spot," said Underwood.
The local EM office receives many calls each time sirens are sounded to see if the alarm is just a test.
"We'll never test sirens if there's a threat of severe weather," said Pettus.
Furthermore, the public shouldn't rely solely on warning sirens.
Buy a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio, Pettus suggested. "Many can be programmed for a specific county, and there are many that are inexpensive."
(NOAA radio owners should know weekly Wednesday warning tests, formerly conducted each morning, are now planned for Wednesday evening as well. Underwood said this move was made so radio owners at work Wednesday mornings can be home when the second test occurs.)
NOAA's nationwide network of radio stations broadcasts continuous weather information 24 hours a day, directly from local National Weather Service offices.
"The first thing people need to know is the difference between watches and warnings," said Pettus.
Watches cover large geographic areas for a large period of time, and means [conditions are] favorable for an event to occur,he said.
Warnings are issued if the event is happening or is eminent, and cover smaller geographical areas for shorter periods of time.
The NWS is now able to better define which geographical areas are warned, said Pettus, and eventually entire counties won't necessarily be under a warning if only a certain portion is threatened.
"But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be on guard during the threat," said Pettus.
Cherokee County experiences more severe thunderstorms and severe wind events than tornados. Severe thunderstorms are characterized by at least three-quarter-inch hail or larger, and will carry winds of at least 58 mph. At that speed, wind can bring down power lines and damage trees and homes, especially manufactured homes.
During tornadic events, residents should get to the lowest level in the home, excluding mobile homes, and find the most central location.
Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible, said Pettus.
Although it used to be standard protocol, opening windows is a bad idea.
"By opening windows, you run the risk of being hit by flying debris," said Pettus.
Anyone caught in a vehicle or mobile or manufactured home should seek a more stable structure, and should not try to outrun a storm.
"One of the worst things a person can do is try to outrun a severe weather event," said Pettus. "Find a depression, ravine or a ditch. You have more protection there than in a vehicle or mobile home."
Overpasses and bridges are huge targets for destruction when tornados roll through, and should not be sought as shelter.
"They act like a wind tunnel, and the winds are stronger," said Pettus.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has recently concentrated on a program called Shelter In Place, with a goal of keeping people from getting out in the storm to find other public shelters.
"Know where to go in the event of a weather emergency, whether you're at your home, your business, or a business you frequent," said Pettus.
Josh Newton writes for the Tahlequah (Okla.) Daily Press.
Be prepared
Emergency Management officials say a storm-ready kit can be an important tool in the aftermath of severe weather.
Storm kits should include:
One gallon of water per person per day; plan for at least three days.
Non-perishable foods like peanut butter and crackers.
First-aid kit.
Batteries
Battery-powered radio or TV.
Blankets
Flashlight
Extra pair of clothes.
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