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A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground. A tornado can completely destroy well-made structures, uproot trees, and hurl objects through the air like deadly missiles. Tornadoes can generate rotating wind speeds ranging from EF0: 65-85 mph to EF5: more than 200 mph (Enhanced Fujita Scale).
Know what to do if a tornado has been sighted or a tornado warning has been issued for your area. Identify a safe place in your home where household members and pets will gather during a tornado: a basement, underground shelter or cellar, or tornado safe room offer the best protection, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
Tornado Safety during the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19)
Identify where you would go in the event of a tornado. Practice taking shelter while following social and physical distancing, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and your local health authorities.
Ideal storm shelters in the event of high winds include a safe room built using FEMA criteria, or a storm shelter built to ICC-500 standards. The next best protection would be a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
www.coronavirus.ohio.gov
www.coronavirus.gov
Going to a Public Disaster Shelter during the COVID-19 Pandemic
A Tornado WATCH means tornadoes are possible in and near the area. Review and discuss emergency plans, and check your emergency supplies and shelter area (safe room). Be ready to move to a place of safety, if the watch is upgraded to a warning or if threatening weather approaches.
A Tornado WARNING means a tornado is imminent or has been sighted. Tornado warnings indicate impending danger to life and property! Seek safe shelter immediately, preferably in a safe room, basement, cellar, or to an interior room such as a closet, hallway or bathroom.