What To Do During A Tornado

Springfield Township Press Release




Joseph Honerlaw, Trustee

Tom Bryan, Trustee

Gwen McFarlin, Trustee

John Waksmundski, Fiscal Officer









For Immediate Release

For More Information

Contact 522-1410









In Hamilton County, the outdoor warning sirens will sound a steady tone for five (5) minutes when a Tornado Warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). The Township was recently notified that The Hamilton County Emergency Management agency is in the process of replacing old weather sirens with new ones to maximize our weather coverage area. The siren upgrade and replacement project is due for completion before March 31, 2012.







The Springfield Township Fire Department warns residents not to depend on outdoor sirens to alert you of severe weather, especially during this time when the sirens are undergoing replacements. While the sirens are effective, they are not designed to penetrate the construction material of some houses or commercial buildings. Springfield Township Fire Chief, Robert Leininger recommends that residents purchase an electric weather radio with a battery back up to alert anyone indoors of severe weather and/or tornado warning. Weather radios can be purchased from hardware and electronic stores for under $30.00.







The tornadoes that touched down in close proximity to Cincinnati are a reminder that we need to be prepared for severe weather and have a plan of action in case a tornado warning is issued.







During a tornado, people face hazards from extremely high winds and risk being struck by flying and falling objects or down power lines. After a tornado, the wreckage left behind poses additional injury risks. Although nothing can be done to prevent tornadoes, there are actions you can take for your health and safety.







Taking Shelter



Your family could be anywhere when a tornado strikes--at home, at work, at school, or in the car. Discuss with your family where the best tornado shelters are and how family members can protect themselves from flying and falling debris. The key to surviving a tornado and reducing the risk of injury lies in planning, preparing, and practicing what you and your family will do if a tornado strikes. Flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during a tornado. Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others.





Please share this information with your children so they know what to do in an emergency:



At Home

Pick a place in the home where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. One basic rule is AVOID WINDOWS. An exploding window can injure or kill.The safest place in the home is the interior part of a basement. If there is no basement, go to an inside room, without windows, on the lowest floor. This could be a center hallway, bathroom, or closet.



For added protection, get under something sturdy such as a heavy table or workbench. If possible, cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag, or mattress, and protect your head with anything available--even your hands. Avoid taking shelter where there are heavy objects, such as pianos or refrigerators, on the area of floor that is directly above you. They could fall through the floor if the tornado strikes your house.





In a Mobile Home

DO NOT STAY IN A MOBILE HOME DURING A TORNADO. Mobile homes can turn over during strong winds. Even mobile homes with a tie-down system cannot withstand the force of tornado winds.



Plan ahead. If you live in a mobile home, go to a nearby building, preferably one with a basement. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert and shield your head with your hands. If you live in a tornado-prone area, encourage your mobile home community to build a tornado shelter.





On the Road

The least desirable place to be during a tornado is in a motor vehicle. Cars, buses, and trucks are easily tossed by tornado winds. DO NOT TRY TO OUTRUN A TORNADO IN YOUR CAR. If you see a tornado, stop your vehicle and get out. Do not get under your vehicle. Follow the directions for seeking shelter outdoors (see next section).





Outdoors

If you are caught outside during a tornado and there is no adequate shelter immediately available--



Avoid areas with many trees.

Avoid vehicles.

Lie down flat in a gully, ditch, or low spot on the ground.

Protect your head with an object or with your arms.

Long-Span Buildings

A long-span building, such as a shopping mall, theater, or gymnasium, is especially dangerous because the roof structure is usually supported solely by the outside walls. Most such buildings hit by tornadoes cannot withstand the enormous pressure. They simply collapse. If you are in a long-span building during a tornado, stay away from windows. Get to the lowest level of the building--the basement if possible--and away from the windows. If there is no time to get to a tornado shelter or to a lower level, try to get under a door frame or get up against something that will support or deflect falling debris. For instance, in a department store, get up against heavy shelving or counters. In a theater, get under the seats. Remember to protect your head.





Office Buildings, Schools, Hospitals, Churches, and Other Public Buildings

Extra care is required in offices, schools, hospitals, or any building where a large group of people is concentrated in a small area. The exterior walls of such buildings often have large windows.



If you are in any of these buildings--



Move away from windows and glass doorways.

Go to the innermost part of the building on the lowest possible floor.

Do not use elevators because the power may fail, leaving you trapped.

Protect your head and make yourself as small a target as possible by crouching down.

Shelter for People with Special Needs

Advanced planning is especially important if you require assistance to reach shelter from an approaching storm (see specific instructions in the next section).



If you are in a wheelchair, get away from windows and go to an interior room of the house. If possible, seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Do cover your head with anything available, even your hands.

If you are unable to move from a bed or a chair and assistance is not available, protect yourself from falling objects by covering up with blankets and pillows.

If you are outside and a tornado is approaching, get into a ditch or gully. If possible, lie flat and cover your head with your arms.





This information is being presented to the community with your safety in mind. Township staff members have been extensively trained in disaster preparedness and are ready for emergencies as they arise. Keeping you informed is key to our community's success in any disaster. We appreciate your time and attention to prepare your family for weather related emergencies. Please remember to check on your neighbors and work together in keeping one another safe. If you have any questions regarding preparing for a tornado, please contact the Springfield Township Fire Department at 522-1410.