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Tornados
Don't kid yourself into believing that tornadoes occur only during the
summer.
The
truth is that, in Illinois, most tornadoes occur during the months of
April, May and June. Now is the time to insure that you and your family
members fully understand the correct safety precautions.
Tornado Watch vs.
Tornado Warning - What is the difference?
A
tornado watch means that conditions are right for a tornado to occur. A
warning means that a tornado has been detected. In Spring Grove, the
emergency warning sirens are activated in the event of a tornado
warning. Spring Grove residents should also keep in mind that the
Village DOES NOT give an "all clear" signal.
Upon hearing a
warning siren, you should:
-
Go at once to
the basement or interior part of the building on the lowest level.
-
Stay away from
windows.
-
Go to the center
of the room.
-
Get under a
piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table, and
hold onto it.
-
Use arms to
protect head and neck.
-
Use pillows, mattresses or cushions
to protect your head and neck.
If you are outdoors
when a tornado strikes:
-
If possible, get
inside a building.
-
If shelter is
not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or
low-lying area or crouch near a strong building.
-
Use arms to
protect your head and neck.
If you are in your
car when a tornado strikes:
-
Never try to
outrun a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction
quickly and can lift up a car and toss it through the air.
-
Get out of the
car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.
-
If there is no
time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or
low-lying area away from the vehicle. Cover your head and neck with
your hands.
Do not open a
window.
Many
people mistakenly believe they should open a window when a tornado is
coming. They believe that since houses are airtight, the change in air
pressure during a tornado could cause a home to explode. This is a myth.
Actually, buildings are not airtight. They leak, equalizing air pressure
naturally. Opening a window allows the strong winds to enter, causing
damage and increase the possibility of injury.
After the Tornado
·
Monitor the radio or television for emergency information or
instructions
· Check
for injured victims. Render first aid if necessary.
· Check
for neighbors or relatives who may require special assistance.
· Do not
attempt to move severely injured victims unless absolutely necessary.
Wait for emergency medical assistance to arrive.
· Use
the telephone only for emergency calls.
· Exit
damaged buildings. Re-enter only if absolutely necessary using great
caution.
· Take
photos of or videotape the damage to your home or property.
·
If
driving, be alert for hazards on the roadway.
· If
unaffected by the tornado, stay out of the damaged area until allowed
entering by officials. Your presence may hamper emergency operations.
 Tornado
Facts
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A
tornado is a violent, rotating column of air extending from a
thunderstorm to the ground.
-
Most
tornado damage paths are less than 100 yards wide and a couple of
miles long, but can be up to a mile wide and 50 miles long.
-
Most
tornadoes occur in the spring, but they have occurred every month of
the year.
-
In
2001, 21 tornadoes were reported in Illinois.
-
In
2002, 35 tornadoes occurred in Illinois resulting in four deaths and
64 injuries.
-
In
2003, a record setting 120 tornadoes occurred in Illinois, resulting
in two deaths, 81 injuries, and more than $40 million in damage. The
previous record was 107 set in 1974.
-
There
is an average of 31 tornadoes per year in Illinois. Most tornadoes
produce winds 60 to 112 mph. The most violent tornadoes can produce
winds up to 318 mph.
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