Registration is now open for the March 20 Statewide Tornado Drill at www.ReadyVirginia.gov. Businesses, schools, organizations, families and individuals are encouraged to take part in this critical safety exercise. 2011 was a tough year in Virginia for tornadoes – here’s a look back:
- 51 tornadoes hit, the second highest number on record (87 in 2004)
- Most tornadoes struck during April, but tornadoes also were recorded in March, May, August, September, October and November
- In April, 10 people died and more than 100 were injured
- In April, 212 homes were destroyed and more than 1,050 homes and businesses were damaged
- Nearly every part of Virginia experienced tornadoes during 2011 - Southwest Virginia, Southside Virginia, Roanoke Valley, Shenandoah Valley, Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Middle Peninsula, and Hampton Roads.
Encourage participation in the Statewide Tornado Drill in your community. Learn more about tornado safety and how to hold a drill at www.Ready.Virginia.gov.
How to communicate during disasters
Dozens of destructive tornadoes, a historic earthquake, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee all hit Virginia in 2011. In the minutes and hours after these disasters, it was difficult to make calls on cell phones because the mobile networks were so busy. Ready Virginia has created a new downloadable tip sheet about phone use during disasters. Topics include “Before a Disaster: How to Prepare Your Home and Mobile Device” and “During and After a Disaster: How to Reach Friends, Loved Ones & Emergency Services.” For more information visit: http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stayinformed/how-to-communicate
To download and print the tip sheet, go to: http://www.vaemergency.gov/sites/default/files/Communicate.pdf
For a Spanish version of the tip sheet: http://www.vaemergency.gov/sites/default/files/Listo_Communicate.pdf
Preparing for Tornadoes
- Get a NOAA Weather Radio with warning alarm tone and battery backup to get information directly from the National Weather Service. This is the quickest way to learn that a tornado is heading your way. Many models are available.
- Know what tornado watch and tornado warning mean.
- Determine in advance where you will take cover in case of a tornado warning. Keep this safe location uncluttered.
- Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection.
- If underground shelter is not available, go into a windowless interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
- Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.
- 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.
- A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible.
- Get a kit of emergency supplies. Store it in your shelter location.
- Practice tornado drills at least once a year
During
- When a tornado watch is issued, stay tuned to local radio, TV and NOAA weather radio for further information and possible warnings. Be prepared to take cover.
After
- Stay out of damaged buildings and stay clear of downed power lines
- Help injured or trapped people. Check on those who might need special assistance, such the elderly, children and people with disabilities.
- When a tornado warning is issued, take cover in your safe location immediately or on the lowest level of the nearest substantial building. Protect your body from flying debris with a heavy blanket, pillows, sofa cushions or mattress.
- If you can’t get to your safe location or the lowest level of a substantial building:
- Open buildings (shopping mall, gym or civic center): Try to get into a restroom or interior hallway. If there is no time, get up against something that will support or deflect falling debris. Protect your head by covering it with your arms.
- Cars and trucks: Get out of your vehicle and try to find shelter inside a sturdy building. A culvert or ditch can provide shelter if a substantial building is not nearby. Lie down flat and cover your head with your hands. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
- Outdoors. Try to find shelter immediately in the nearest substantial building. If no buildings are close, lie down flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
- Mobile homes:Do not stay in mobile homes. Leave immediately and seek shelter inside a nearby sturdy building, or lie down in a ditch away from your home, covering your head with your hands. Mobile homes are extremely unsafe during tornadoes.
- Stay in your safe location until the danger has passed.
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