Somerset was under a tornado warning today
I had just walked into the house, after noticing heavy overcast clouds had buit-up. The TV was on and all of a sudden there was an alert to switch to community cable channel 8. There, I heard that Somerset and Middlesex Counties were under a tornado warning, due to heavy area thunderstorms. I knew the many lightening strikes were close to my home because times between flashes of light and thunder were extremely close. Next, a computerized voice came over the TV and provided details of what times the storm would pass specific areas. There were also instructions for what to do during a tornado warning. (see below)
During a Tornado
If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!
| If you are in: |
Then: |
| A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building) |
Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows. |
| A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home |
Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. |
| The outside with no shelter |
Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries. |
The warning seemed to have passed without damage or much wind. There wasn't even a heavy downpour of rain, so far. But, this experience got me thinking...what is the difference between a watch and a warning? Should you open houe windows during a tornado? The American Red Cross published an article on tornado preparedness. The University of Milwaukee has issued more information and debuncked a few myths. And no,spend the time getting to a sfe place in your home, rather than attempting to open windows.
As a kid, I don't ever recall haviing to worry about tornado alerts while growing up in suburban New York. My, how times have changed! Almost one year ago, one touched down in Brooklyn. It doesn't matter if you are in Kansas or not. Take care of your self, out there.
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