Batesville Herald Tribune, Batesville, Indiana

Local News

March 12, 2010

Tornado safety important

Indiana had 11 tornadoes last year. The average is 20, and the most, 49, occurred in 1990, according to the National Weather Service.

The average forward speed is 30 miles per hour, but varies from 0-70 mph. The average tornado width is about 100 yards, but can reach one-mile wide.

Tornadoes occur year round, but are most likely from April-June. Preferred hours are from 3-8 p.m. with a second peak from midnight-3 a.m.

To prepare for the tornado season, NWS officials recommend these precautions:

• In homes or small buildings – Go to the basement, if available, or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris;

• In schools, hospitals, factories or shopping centers – Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs, such as auditoriums and warehouses. Follow the instructions of the facility safety officials;

• In high-rise buildings – Go to interior small rooms or halls. Stay away from exterior walls or glassy areas;

• In cars or mobile homes – Abandon them immediately. Most tornado deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter;

• If no suitable structure is nearby – Lie flat in the nearest ditch and use your hands to cover your head.

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