When a tornado hits, head to a windowless room and head to the center of the room. Get under a piece of heavy furniture and hold on to it. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. If you're not within reach of shelter, leave your automobile and lie flat in a ditch or depression. Never try to outrun a tornado in your car. Contrary to popular belief, you should never open your windows during a tornado. Keep them locked shut, and stay away from them during the storm. Large hail, blackouts and severe winds of up to 140 mph frequently accompany tornadoes. You and your family can prepare by printing and filling out the Duracell Preparedness Checklist and posting it in your home.
What is a tornado? A tornado is a rapidly rotating funnel of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration reports that tornadoes can reach wind speeds of over 250 miles per hour and leave trails of destruction up to a mile wide and 50 miles long. How do they form? When thunderstorms develop in warm, moist air in advance of eastward-moving cold fronts, they often produce large hail, strong winds, and tornadoes. Occasionally, tornadoes also accompany tropical storms and hurricanes that move over land. Two or more tornadoes sometimes occur simultaneously. Where and when do they hit? Although tornadoes can occur anywhere at any time, they are most often found in the southern states during the spring and the northern states during summer months. Tornadoes strike most frequently between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians.
Tornadoes are measured on the Fujita Tornado Intensity scale. This chart demonstrates the damage caused by storms of increasing severity. Fujita Rating Wind Speeds Level of Damage F-0 up to 72 mph Light damage F-1 73 to 112 mph Moderate damage F-2 113 to 157 mph Serious damage F-3 158 to 206 mph Severe damage F-4 207 to 260 mph Devastating damage F-5 above 261 mph Incredible damage