March is Severe Weather Awareness Month. The City of Midlothian wants to help our community prepare for severe weather. Here are some tips on how to prepare to protect you and your loved ones. Visit our Emergency Preparedness web page to access information about all types of emergencies.
(Information provided by Ready.Gov.)
What is a tornado?
Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris.
A tornado can:
- Happen anytime and anywhere.
- Bring intense winds, over 200 miles per hour.
- Look like funnels.
What should you do if you are under a tornado or severe weather warning?
- Go to NOAA Weather Radio and your local news or official social media accounts for updated emergency information. Follow the instructions of state, local and tribal officials.
- Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
- If you can’t stay at home, make plans to go to a public shelter.
What are the signs of a tornado?
The signs of a tornado include a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar like a freight train.
How can you stay safe during a tornado?
- Immediately go to a safe location that you have identified.
- Pay attention to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, the National Weather Service or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
- Protect yourself by covering your head or neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around or on top of you.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle if you are in a car. If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
For local weather alerts, sign up for MidlothianSafe.
