TORNADO SAFETY

Tornadoes are a serious threat for many areas across the country. In an average year, about 1,000 tornados are reported in the United States, according to NOAA. Many of these tornadoes occur in the same geographical areas each year, however many places across the United States have the right conditions for a tornado. It is important to know about tornadoes and what to do both at home and work if there is one.

Tornado Statistics 
(source: NOAA.gov)

• The top three states that have the highest average of tornadoes each year is Texas, Kansas, and Florida.

• Tornadoes mostly occur in the months between April and July in the United States.

• In 2020, 76 people were killed from tornadoes. In 2011 however, there were 553 deaths. Many of the deaths that year were caused by a tornado in Joplin, Missouri that killed over 150 people.

• According to Aon, insured losses in the United States from these storms totaled at least $10 billion each year since 2008.

Tornado Safety at Work and Home

The first thing to know when it comes to tornadoes is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A watch is when tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. A warning is when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. A warning indicates there is a tornado that is an imminent danger to life and property in that area.

Have a plan for when a tornado threat is in your area. Pick a room in your home where it is safe to go during a tornado. Areas such as basements or an interior room on the lowest floor are the best places to take shelter during a tornado.

At work, know how you will be notified by the company that tornado conditions could be in the area. Know where the tornado shelter is onsite or if the company uses one in the community. Some companies that do not have a tornado shelter onsite will send everyone home as soon as there is a tornado watch in effect. Knowing what to do and executing the emergency plan is essential to protecting yourself and those around you.