Facts and Figures
Tornadoes are one of nature's most violent storms.
Tornadoes come in all shapes and sizes and can occur
anywhere in the United States and at any time of year. Most,
but not all, tornadoes in Virginia occur from April to
October between the hours of 3:00 and 9:00 p.m. In
2004, 86 tornadoes touched down in Virginia with at least
three of those touching down in Loudoun County.
Tornadoes are always born out of severe
thunderstorms. They can be stationary or travel at speeds up
to 70 mph. When they are moving, they generally tend to travel
from southwest to northeast and could be on the ground for
over an hour traveling many miles.
In an average year, 800 tornadoes are
reported across the United States, resulting in 80 deaths and
over 1,500 injuries.
Being
Prepared
The Loudoun County Department of Fire and
Rescue encourages residents to map out a tornado safety plan.
Preparing yourself now, by knowing a few facts and simple
safety rules can keep you and your family safe.
What You Can
Do
When preparing for tornadoes, the most
important step is to find safe shelter. The general rule for
tornado safety is to "go low and get low". In other
words, you should go to the lowest level of the structure your
are in, away from windows; crouch in a low position,
protecting your head. This same approach applies even if you
are not in a building or cannot get to one. For instance, if
you are in a mobile home, a car or outside, try to get to a
sturdy building for shelter. If this is impossible, lie flat
in a low area with your hands covering the back of your head
and neck.
Watches and Warnings
When severe thunderstorms threaten, people
should watch the sky and pay close attention to weather
advisories. Environmental clues that may indicate an
approaching tornado include a dark, often greenish sky, large
hail and a loud roar similar to a freight train. To alert the
public of tornadoes, the National Weather Service issues
tornado watches and warnings.
-
A tornado watch means that
weather conditions are favorable for the development of
tornadoes. If a tornado watch is broadcast, stay
tuned for further advisories and be prepared to take
cover.
-
If a tornado warning
is issued, it means a tornado has actually been sighted.
Warnings are issued for individual counties and
include the tornado’s location and its direction and
speed. If you are in or near its path, seek shelter
immediately. Do not attempt to look for the tornado.
Many tornadoes in Virginia are obscured by rain and are
not visible at all or are not visible until it is too
late.
Safety Tips
Knowing simple safety rules and taking immediate action can
save your life. The following safety tips are offered by the
Virginia Department of Emergency Services, the National
Weather Services and the Loudoun County Department of Fire and
Rescue.
-
The best shelter from a
tornado is a basement. If you do not have a basement,
go to an inside room without windows on the lowest
level of the house (a closet, bathroom or interior
hall). Protect your body from flying debris with a
heavy blanket or sleeping bag.
-
Avoid windows. Opening
windows to equalize pressure is ineffective in
reducing damage during a tornado. Don’t worry about
the windows; worry about finding shelter and
protecting yourself.
-
Mobile homes are extremely
unsafe during tornadoes. Seek shelter elsewhere.
-
If your are caught in an
open building like a shopping mall, gymnasium or civic
center, get into the restroom, if possible. In larger
buildings, restrooms are usually made of concrete
block and will offer more protection.
-
If there is no time to go
anywhere else, seek shelter right where you are. Try
to get up against something that will support or
deflect falling debris. Protect your head by covering
it with your arms.
-
If you are outside when a
tornado strikes, try to find shelter immediately in
the nearest substantial building. If no buildings are
close, take cover by lying down flat in a ditch or
depression.
-
If you are in your car,
get out of your vehicle and try to find shelter. A culvert or ditch can
provide
shelter if a substantial building is not nearby.
-
Know the names of the
counties, cities and towns that are near you,
especially those to the west and south. You will be
better able to track the tornado’s direction if you
are familiar with the geography of your area.
For more information regarding tornado preparedness or
other preparedness activities contact the Loudoun County
Office of Emergency Management at 703-777-0333.
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