Prepare for spring storms: Tornado safety tips

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Extension’s Rural Emergency Preparedness program has resources for an array of disaster and emergency situations — including severe storms.

“When a crisis occurs, it can be very chaotic and there can be a lot of misinformation flying around,” said Shawn Ehlers, assistant professor at Purdue.

“Our goal is not to reinvent the wheel. What we are trying to do is organize and have materials available to educators and the public.”

As spring and summer approach, the risk of tornadoes across the state increases.

It’s important to understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.

Tornado watch: Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Tornado warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

Ways to prepare for a storm include:

• Be alert to changing weather conditions

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.

• Look for approaching storms.

• Look for danger signs: Dark, often greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating); loud roar, similar to a freight train.

• If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

For more safety tips, visit www.purdue.edu/engineering/ABE/INPREPared/.