The risk of a tornado in Charles County became reality in 2002 when an F4 tornado caused widespread devastation in the La Plata area. Recent severe weather events in Oklahoma underscore the need to have a tornado safety plan in place. Tornadoes are violent by nature and capable of completely destroying well made structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects like deadly missiles. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Prepare a Home Tornado Plan • Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered. • If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building. Watch vs. Warning: What’s the Difference? • Tornado Watch- Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to [...]
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