This time of year, Kentuckians may find themselves in the path of a tornado. It’s important to have a plan in place for before and after the storm hits.
If you’re inside during a tornado, find shelter in a windowless, interior room; a storm cellar; or the lowest level of the building. Stay away from glass doors and windows to avoid debris from heavy wind.
Crouch down and make yourself as small of a target as possible. If you can, get under a piece of sturdy furniture, like a heavy table or desk. Always use your arms to protect your head and neck from injury.
If a tornado hits while you’re in a car, trailer or manufactured home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building or storm shelter. Cars, trailers and manufactured homes can easily be swept away by a tornado or heavy winds.
If you are outside and cannot find shelter, seek low ground or ditch and cover your head and neck. Be aware of possible risks like falling trees or power lines and lightning.
The most dangerous place during a tornado is under an overpass. Seeking shelter under an overpass puts you at a higher elevation with no protection from debris and winds. Never try to outrun the storm. It moves hundreds of miles an hour, so your survival chances are much better if you find the best shelter you can.
To prepare for a tornado, always keep a battery-powered radio handy to receive emergency information. Also, to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, never use generators or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage or camper.
When cleaning up after a storm, be careful when entering damaged buildings and stay out of any buildings that smell like gas. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris.
Never to touch downed power lines or objects in contact with them. They could still be live with electricity and touching them could be fatal. Instead, immediately report any downed lines to Owen Electric, or your electric provider.