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   Domestic Preparedness
Tornado Safety

What to Look For     Where To Take Shelter     Emergency Plan     Disaster Supply Kit

Click on blue underlined links for more information.

• Dark, often greenish skies
• Wall cloud
• Large hail
• Loud roar, similar to a freight train

WHERE SHOULD I TAKE SHELTER?

In a Home:
First choice is the basement. In homes with no basement, take cover in the center part of the house, on the lowest floor, in a small room such as a closet or bathroom or under sturdy furniture. KEEP AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

Mobile Home:
Evacuate immediately, take shelter in a prearranged substantial shelter, If there is none lie flat in a ditch or ravine. Protect your head by placing your arms over it. Do not take shelter under your home.

Driving a vehicle:
Get out and take shelter in a nearby ditch or ravine, DO NOT get under vehicle.

At Work or School:
Follow advanced plans, move to interior hallways or small rooms on lowest floor. Avoid areas with glass and wide, freespan roofs.

In Open Country:
Lie in a gully, ditch, or low spot in ground. Hold onto something on the ground if possible. Do not seek shelter in damaged buildings.

CREATE AN EMERGENCY PLAN

• Pick two places to meet
• Teach children how and when to call 911
• Post emergency numbers by phone

DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

• Flashlight
• Extra Batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Can Opener
• Canned Food
• Battery Operated Radio
• Bottled Water
• Extra Clothes

For additional information on tornadoes or to become a Disaster Resistant Neighborhood, please contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, Sergeant Alain E. Svilpe at 269-657-7787.

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