Tornado Safety Tips
GEMA SCHOOL SAFETY UNIT
WATCH: is issued when conditions are favorable for a tornado to form. Continue to monitor your weather radio and television. Remind students and staff of what a watch is and where the safest place within the school is located. WARNING: Imminent danger. A tornado or funnel cloud has been indicated by radar or sighted by a storm spotter. Take shelter immediately. BEFORE • Identify safe areas within the school with the help of local public safety and emergency management personnel. • Make sure that each classroom has a map clearly marking the tornado safety area. • Develop a system for informing students and staff a tornado warning has been issued. Using the fire bell can be confusing. • Practice tornado sheltering drills at least twice a year; in the spring and fall. Remember there is a potential threat of tornados throughout the year. • Monitor the weather radio and television. • Bolt down all bookcases, shelves and file cabinets. This will keep these items from shifting during severe weather. • Keep first aid supplies current and convenient. DURING (A WATCH BECOMES A WARNING) • Move all students from all temporary or mobile classrooms to the main building. • Get to the lowest most interior level of the facility and assume a tornado safe position. • Avoid locations with wide span roofing and glass such as auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums, and sanctuaries. • Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as workbench, heavy table or desk. • Take roll while moving students to the shelter area. • Stay in the tornado safe position until the “all clear” is given. IF OUTDOORS OR IN A VEHICLE • Do not stay in vehicle. • If at all possible get into a building. • If shelter is not available or there is no time to reach shelter, lie in a ditch or low lying area. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not take shelter under an overpass. • Avoid utility poles and overhead wires. • Use arms to protect head and neck. AFTER • Give first aid when appropriate. Do not try to move seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. • Call 911 or emergency services. • Keep in mind there may be downed power lines or damage to other utilities that can be a potential hazard. • Listen to the radio/television for emergency information.
Page 1 of 1 Note: The information contained in this document and the document itself may be reprinted and distributed only in its presented entirety. Any change or modification to the information contained herein is not authorized. The GEMA School Safety Unit intends for the latest and most accurate information to be distributed to its partners in school safety for their use and benefit. This document is presented by, and may be reprinted or distributed with permission from: Georgia Emergency Management Agency School Safety Unit, PO Box 18055, Atlanta, Georgia, 30316, (404) 635-7000 or 1-800-TRYGEMA. schoolsafety@gema.state.ga.us www.gema.state.ga.us