Tornado Awareness in Ocean County

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

Tornadoes can appear from any direction. Most move from southwest to northeast, or west to east. Some tornadoes have changed direction amid path, or even backtracked. A tornado can double back suddenly, for example, when its bottom is hit by outflow winds from a thunderstorm's core. Tornadoes are not common in our area but as of the past few years the weather conditions have surprised the north east and tornadoes have been reported on the east coast.

That is why having a tornado plan for your home and family in place is a good idea. Based on the type of home you live in you need to know where you can take shelter in a matter of seconds, and practice a family tornado drill at least once a year. Have a pre-determined place to meet after a disaster. Flying objects is the greatest danger in tornadoes; so store protective coverings (e.g., mattress, sleeping bags, thick blankets, etc) in or next to your shelter space, ready to use on a few seconds' notice. When a tornado watch is issued, think about the drill and check to make sure all your safety supplies are handy. Turn on local TV, radio or NOAA Weather Radio and stay alert for warnings. Forget about the old notion of opening windows to equalize pressure; the tornado will blast open the windows for you!

The Ocean County area has plenty of designated storm shelters, know where they are.   You may even take notice in certain stores there are designated areas, learn where there are bathrooms, storage rooms or other interior shelter areas away from windows, and the shortest ways to get there. Most schools, shopping centers, nursing homes, hospitals, sports arenas, stadiums, mobile home communities and offices should have a tornado safety plan in place, with easy-to-read signs posted to direct everyone to a safe, nearby shelter area. Schools and office building managers should regularly run well-coordinated drills.