Tornado Safety - General Information

(Brevard County, Fla.) - Although tornadoes are mostly associated with the Great Plains of the Midwest, Florida ranks #4 in the United States for most tornadoes annually.

The safest place to be in the event of a tornado is an underground shelter - such as a basement.  In Florida, however, this might not be an option.  If you don't have a basement, the Brevard County Professional Firefighters (BCPFF) advise you to pick a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level.

As we approach storm season, your BCPFF want to remind you to "DUCK" when a tornado warning is issued or if threatening weather is forecast.

"It's also important to pay attention to local warning systems, " says Don Slayman, Public Information Officer for the BCPFF.  "This is critical since tornadoes often occur suddenly with little or no warning.  I recommend subscribing to the Brevard County Emergency Management resources for up-to-date information on emergencies."

Brevard County Emergency Management is a great resource for staying informed:

• Subscribe to the Brevard County Emergency Management alert system (click here).  
• Follow on Facebook - facebook.com/BrevardEOC/ 
• Follow on Twitter - twitter.com/BrevardEOC 
• Or visit their website for additional info 

In addition, know how to recognize an approaching tornado by watching for these signs:

• a dark or green-colored sky
• a large, dark, low-lying cloud
• large hail
• a loud roar that sounds like a freight train

Public Information Officer, Don Slayman also stresses the importance of taking the necessary precautions before storm season begins and developing a plan of action following a tornado.

Before the Tornado:

• Develop and practice a tornado drill
• Listen to the NOAA Weather Radio
• Follow the tornado safety checklist
• Prepare a natural disaster emergency kit, including batteries, flashlights, food, water, copies of personal documents and a first-aid kit
• Consider purchasing a generator in case of a power outage.

After the tornado, if you have been evacuated from your home, return only when officials say it's safe to do so.

Following any significant natural disaster, it's also important to have a licensed professional check the gas system and electrical wiring of your home for damage.

As always, if you are in immediate danger and need emergency help, dial 9-1-1.

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By: Donald Slayman

       Public Information Officer

       Brevard County Professional Firefighters

       Email: Donald.Slayman@IAFF2969.com