Tornado Alert! Don't get Hurt!
Tommy the Turtle will help your kids and your family get prepared! See his book on the Kids Page or stop in our office for your copy! For other tips and tricks....keep reading!
Tuning in for Tornadoes
Tornadoes are one of nature’s most violent storms and can cause death, injury, and destruction within seconds. Having advanced notice that a tornado is approaching your area can give you the critical time needed to move to a safe place for protection. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone. Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
While you may not always receive an official tornado alert in your area, there are warning signs that can indicate a tornado is near.
- A change in the color of the sky;
- An approaching cloud of debris;
- A strange quiet occurring within or shortly after a thunderstorm; or
- A loud roar that sounds similar to a freight train.
Preparing for a Tornado
Some locations don't provide protection from tornadoes, including manufactured (mobile) homes/offices, the open space of open-plan buildings (e.g., malls, big retail stores, and gymnasiums), vehicles, and the outdoors. An alternative shelter should be identified prior to a tornado watch or warning.
PRACTICE TORNADO DRILLS!
Identify and practice going to a safe shelter, while following the latest social and physical-distancing and other health safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and your local health authorities, in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
Consider constructing a safe room.
Don't forget your pets! Monthly Tornado Siren Test 1st Wednesday of Every month at 1 p.m. CST *
*Excluding December, January and February
The Emergency Management office has several brochures and booklets in both Spanish and English to help plan ahead for this and other disasters!
Check out the links at the bottom of the page for more information on Tornadoes and Tornado Safety! _____________________________________________________________________________________
Storm Shelters Near You
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Watford City - Civic Center
Arnegard - Wilmington Lutheran Church
Alexander - Trinity Lutheran Church
Keene - Clear Creek Church
Tobacco Gardens - 2 storm shelters
Shelter #1 (South Entrance)
Shelter #2 (North Entrance)