I have heard for most of my life that there has never been a tornado in San Saba County and there never will be one……but you know…..

A tornado is a rapidly spinning, fast-moving, funnel-shaped cloud. Most tornadoes occur during late spring and summer, in late afternoon. But they CAN strike anywhere, at any time.

Is it a watch or a warning?

· A tornado watch means there is the possibility of a tornado in the area.

· A tornado warning means a tornado HAS BEEN sighted. Seek shelter immediately.

AT HOME:

· Secure and store objects as for an earthquake.

Don’t place beds by windows. Install safety film on windows or take other steps to help prevent flying shattered glass. Put heavy objects on lower shelves. Hang heavy items away from where people sleep or sit. Put strong latches on cupboards. Secure things that might fall, such as a TV. Identify places in each room to take shelter, such as under a sturdy table or next to an inside wall.

During a tornado warning:

· Go immediately to the basement. If there is no basement, go to the lowest floor. Stay in an inner room, away from windows and doors.

· Get beneath a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a desk or table.

OUTDOORS:

· If there are no buildings nearby to shelter in, lie flat in a ditch.

· Cover your head with your arms and hands.

IN A CAR:

· Don’t try to out-drive a tornado if it is close, if it is moving toward you or if there is traffic.

· Get out of the car immediately. Look for shelter or a ditch to lie flat in.

· Don’t go beneath a bridge or highway overpass.

Safety rules to remember AFTER a tornado:

· Leave the building if you smell gas or chemical fumes.

· Watch for fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Report them immediately.

· Stay away from disaster areas.

Next week, we’ll discuss Travel-Related Emergencies.