Red Cross Offers Tornado Safety Tips
  

With news of a reported tornado in Washington state, the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross urges families and communities to be prepared. These dangerous storms kill some 80 Americans each year and injure about 1,500 others. 

Prepare for High Winds:

• Long before a tornado threatens, make trees more wind-resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically remove branches so that wind can blow through.
• Install permanent shutters on your windows and add protection to the outside areas of sliding glass doors.
• Strengthen garage doors and un-reinforced masonry.
• Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile.

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan:

• Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
•  If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing:

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person per day.
• Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)

Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings:

• Listen to your local radio and TV stations for d storm information.
• Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
  • A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
  • A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
  • Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county or parish.

When a Tornado WATCH Is Issued:

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for further s.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

When a Tornado WARNING Is Issued:

• If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
• If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
• If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).

After the Tornado Passes:

• Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
• Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.
• Do not use candles at any time.

When a tornado, flood, earthquake, fire or other emergency occurs, Oregonians can count on their local American Red Cross chapter to be there to help. For more information, please contact the Oregon Trail Chapter at 503-284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org.



The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Local Oregon Trail Chapter volunteers respond to residential fires and other disasters an average of every 40 hours. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from Oregonians. Financial gifts help provide shelter, food, clothing, counseling and other immediate assistance to those in need. Call (503) 284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org.