March is the beginning of tornado season in some parts of the United States. A tornado (a powerful, rotating column of air that touches the ground) can be scary. But there are things you can do to stay safe.
You can learn about your area’s risk of a tornado. Maybe you live in an area that does not have a lot of tornadoes. Or maybe you live in Tornado Alley. Tornado Alley gets over 500 tornadoes a year!
Your family can sign up for weather alerts. The National Weather Service tracks weather conditions. They issue alerts, including tornado watches and tornado warnings. What’s the difference?
| Tornado Watch | Tornado Warning | |
| What It Means | It is possible for a tornado to form. | A tornado has been reported. |
| What to Do | Review your emergency plans. Check your emergency supplies and safe room. Be ready to act quickly if the tornado watch changes to a tornado warning. | Move to an inside room (a small room with no windows) on the lowest floor of a building. Stay away from windows. If you are in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outside, move to the closest shelter. Protect yourself from flying objects. |
You can prepare for a weather emergency in advance. With your family, answer the questions below.
- How will you communicate during a weather emergency?
- Where will you go for shelter?
- What do we need to put in an emergency supply kit?
Then practice what you will do if a tornado watch or warning is issued!
What Can You Do? How can your family sign up for weather alerts?
Photo Credit: (t)National Weather Service/NOAA, (b)Ryan McGinnis/Moment/Getty Images
