Released Feb. 8, 2008
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The deadly tornadoes that swept Arkansas on January 8-9 and again on February 5 show that any time of year is the right time to review severe weather safety precautions.
"As most Arkansans know, the late winter, early spring weather here can be violent and unpredictable," said Dennis Gardisser, an engineer with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. "This year has been no exception."
The storms of February 5 killed dozens of people in Arkansas and surrounding states. On January 7-8 another tornado took a life in Appleton, with tornado damage reported in Benton and Pope counties.
"It's very important to be sure your family has a plan in case severe weather strikes," Gardisser said.
Before a storm occurs every family should have an emergency storm plan for each member whether at home, work, school or outdoors. Storm drills should be conducted frequently to reinforce these plans. Children need to be taught their county name and the names of neighboring counties so that they will know when there is a storm alert nearby. Also, highway maps should be in convenient locations around the house to follow storm movements.
Weather updates are vital prior to or during storms, so a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards with a battery backup, and a warning alarm to receive weather warnings are musts.
Detection is easier today with Doppler radar units. These units can detect tornadoes that are forming by measuring wind speeds and the direction of air currents within the storms. Units are located at National Weather Service offices in Little Rock and Ft. Smith.
There is a difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning, and different actions to take for each. A tornado watch means that tornadoes are possible in that area. One should remain alert for approaching storms by listening to the Weather Radio, TV or radio for weather updates. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If in the path of the storm, one should move to a previously designated safe area.
A safe area preferably would be a basement. However, if there is no available underground shelter or "safe room," then an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor is the best place. Hiding under furniture near a central wall with pillows and blankets over one's head and upper body can give extra protection. Most importantly, stay away from doors and windows. If caught outside or in a vehicle during a tornado, get out and lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression, or the lowest point.
For more information, contact your county extension office. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
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http://www.uaex.edu/news/february2008/0208tornadosafety.htm
Contact: Lamar James, (501) 671-2187, ljames@uaex.edu
