“At least we don’t have earthquake seasons.” My response when someone next to me said, “I couldn’t live in earthquake areas.” I was referring to tornado seasons during the spring each year in the Midwest.
Tornado seasons a three-month period in which tornadoes are more likely to occur. The season is different from south to north in the United States. In Texas, where I live, we are in the middle of our season, while it is July through September in North Dakota. An advantage to having a specific “disaster season” is the opportunity to be check preparedness.
There are standard suggestions to be ready for any type of emergency. These include
- Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school and outdoors.
- Keep a disaster supply kit in your home including water, food that won’t spoil and needs no heat to serve, first-aid kit, NOAA weather radio (also known as an emergency weather radio), a flashlight, batteries, and special items for children, pets and elderly family members.
- Be sure your weather radio is working properly. Spring is a great time to install fresh batteries.
- Have frequent drills.
To be ready for tornado season:
- Know the safest shelter areas in multiple locations.
- Have a communication plan if family members are separated.
- Know the emergency plan for your children’s school and where family members work. For example, should you plan to pick up your children from school?
- Plan for several days without power.
- Know the severe weather alerts:
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when there is a possibility that thunderstorms in and near the watch box area may produce the following severe weather conditions:
Hail 3/4 of an inch or greater
Winds greater than 58 mph
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a storm with any of these severe weather criteria is approaching the warning area:
Hail 3/4 of an inch or greater
Winds greater than 58 mph
Severe thunderstorms can and do produce tornadoes.
Tornado Watch
A tornado watch is issued when thunderstorms in and near the watch box area may produce tornadoes.
Tornado Warning
A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar.
You can eliminate tornado fear by being prepared and knowing more about tornadoes: Here are some lesson ideas:
- What is a tornado?
- How are tornadoes and twisters different?
- What is Tornado Alley? Where is it located?
- What is the Fujita Scale of Tornado Intensity?
- Create a tornado in a bottle
- What weather conditions spawn tornadoes?
- How are tornadoes predicted?
- Watch a tornado disaster movie. Of the events depicted, what could really happen? What is fantasy?
Tornado novels:
- That Sunday Afternoon
- Disaster Strikes #2 Tornado Alley
- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
- Oz: The Complete Collection (includes audio recordings)
More tornado information:
- Severe weather coloring books
- Tornado Project
- Tornado Unit Study
- Home Safety Preparedness for Tornadoes
Do you live in Tornado Alley?
Tornadoes can occur anywhere. Has one been in your area?
This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure statement.
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