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| Fujita - Pearson Tornado
Scale |
| F-0 |
40-72 mph |
Chimney Damage, Tree Branches Broken |
| F-1 |
73-112 mph |
Mobile homes pushed off foundation or overturned |
| F-2 |
113-157 mph |
Considerable damage, mobile homes demolished, trees uprooted |
| F-3 |
158-205 mph |
Roofs and walls torn down, trains overturned, cars thrown |
| F-4 |
207-260 mph |
Well-constructed walls leveled |
| F-5 |
261-318 mph |
Homes lifted off foundation and carried considerable distances, Autos thrown as far as 100 meters |
Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms and can leave an area devastated in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, striking the ground with whirling winds of up to 200 miles per hour or more. A tornado spins like a top and may sound like an airplane or train.
Although tornadoes normally travel for up to 10 miles before they subside, 200 mile "tornado tracks" have been reported. Tornadoes can strike at any time of year and often accompany hurricanes. They occur most frequently during April, May and June.
Before a tornado strikes.......
- Know the terms used to describe tornado threats; tornado watch and tornado warning
- If you see any revolving, funnel shaped clouds, report them immediately by telephone to 911
- Know the locations of designated shelter areas in public facilities, such as schools and public buildings
- Have emergency supplies on hand during tornado season
- Be sure everyone in your household knows in advance where to go and what to do in case of a tornado warning
- Make an inventory of your household furnishings and other possessions. Supplement the written inventory with photographs. Keep inventories and photos in a safe deposit box or some other safe place away from the premises.
During a tornado......
- Whenever severe thunderstorms threaten your area, listen to radio and television newscasts for the latest information and instructions.
- When a tornado has been sighted, stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Protect your head from falling objects or flying debris. Take cover immediately, wherever you are.>
- Do not attempt to flee from a tornado in a car or other vehicle. They are no match for the swift, erratic movement of these storms.
After a tornado......
- Use great caution when entering a building damaged from high winds. When entering or cleaning a tornado-damaged building, be sure that walls, ceiling and roof are in place and that the structure rests firmly on the foundation.
- Look out for broken glass and downed power lines.
- Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help immediately.
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