JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
When it comes to tornadoes, there's no such thing as a "tornado season." They can strike anywhere at any time and you need to be prepared.
"Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms," said Staff Sgt. Amber R. Okubo, an Emergency Management journeyman with the 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron. "They can appear suddenly without warning, and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel cloud appears."
Before a tornado ever strikes, a disaster kit should be prepared.
"Make sure to have supplies on hand to last each person at least three days," said Okubo
These items should be in the kit:
· Food that does not need electricity for storage or for preparation
· Manual can opener
· At least three gallons of water per person
· Battery-powered or hand-crank radio with weather band and extra batteries
· Written family emergency plan
· Flash light and extra batteries
· Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
· First aid kit
· Whistle
· Prescription medications and eyewear
· Dust Mask
· Sanitation Supplies
According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Storm Prediction Center website, http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html, the following signs prelude a tornado:
· Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base
· Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base because tornadoes sometimes have no funnel
· Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can't be seen
· Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn't fade in a few seconds like thunder
· Small, bright, cyan-to-white flashes at ground level near a thunderstorm from power lines snapping by very strong wind or a tornado
· Persistent lowering from the cloud base
If a tornado is on the way, find shelter quickly, Okubo stated. Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection, however an interior room without windows, such as a hallway, is a recommended substitute if no underground shelter is available. Keep away from windows and outside walls.
"Go to the center of the room," said Okubo. "Stay away from corners because they attract debris."
Joint Base Langley-Eustis is scheduled to participate in the state-wide tornado drill March 20, said Peter Begansky, a 633rd CES Emergency Management specialist.
For more information contact the 633rd CES Readiness and Emergency Management Flight at 633cescex.readiness@langley.af.mil.