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Fewer things feel as disruptive and life-altering as a natural disaster. As climate change stressors worsen, it becomes increasingly urgent to embrace a preparedness mindset. This means knowing which kinds of weather events are more likely to occur in your area than in others, and what each signal and notification from weather services means. Confusing terminology, like tornado watch vs. warning, could lead to misunderstandings, so learn the difference now before the next storm.
A tornado watch is not the same thing as a warning. Watch is far less severe and indicates that the climate and weather conditions suggest a tornado may form. Consider how a neighborhood watch looks out for danger before it appears. This is how a tornado watch works. It identifies the conditions under which one could become a threat before it happens, with enough time to alert everyone to stay alert.
During this time, there may already be some intense weather, such as high winds or hail. Ideally, it is best to prepare for the worst-case scenario before a watch is even issued. However, if you haven’t yet gathered emergency supplies or have a plan, now is the time. You must take great care, especially if you are traveling for supplies or visiting others, as the conditions may still be treacherous to drive in.
A tornado warning is issued after a watch if the tornado forms into a verifiable, sighted threat. This means someone has spotted the tornado, and it appears on weather radar. This is when the most urgent requests are heard all over the news, asking people to seek shelter and check in with loved ones ot make sure they are safe.
Whether you are experiencing a watch or a warning, everyone should assume the situation will worsen before it improves. This will place you in the most productive mindset to prepare as much as possible. These tips will help you stay strong and resilient during these events.
Read up on what your local alerts mean during a tornado. There are multiple ways to receive them, such as nightly news or text messages. There are many smartphone apps and radio stations to stay in touch as well. Have several ways to stay up to date, and inform others near you to have backup options as well. Consider that if your phone dies, it might be helpful to know the best radio station to tune into to know the severity of the storm.
An emergency preparedness plan can take many forms. Some families in areas prone to multiple types of natural disasters have different strategies to tackle various events — a wildfire would need vastly different precautions compared to a tornado.
Regardless if you create a blanket strategy for a disaster or a tornado-specific one, you should construct it as early as possible. Ideally, it would be before a watch even happens. To make the best plan, follow these tips:
Make a tornado kit with the essentials that are easily accessible. The kit cannot be inside a vault with a complex combination. It should be somewhere anyone can easily grab it as they run to safety — the fewer obstacles, the better. It could include items such as flashlights, batteries, first-aid kits, essential identification documents, medications and whistles. What the essentials are may vary by family, but be choosy about them so the pack is easy to carry.
Additionally, knowing how individuals will access food and water is an important part of the kit. The bags may contain some nonperishable food, such as canned or boxed items. It can also include water purification tablets for use when drinking from an unknown source. You can also write down the names of several local resources for these necessities, especially if grocery stores run out of everything.
Much like practicing fire drills in school, households should undergo tornado preparedness drills. They should know exactly what to grab, who to call, and where to go to stay safe. This is especially important for households with children. Doing a drill will make the event feel real and help them feel more confident if they need to use these skills, rather than freezing in fear due to indecision.
It’s always important to stay in touch with the weather, but after a watch is issued, you really need to keep your eyes peeled. A warning could happen at any moment, and you don’t want to miss any crucial alerts.
Time is of the essence during a natural disaster, and staying ahead of events can help ensure you have the best chance of protecting property and securing loved ones while riding out a storm.
Staying informed during an active tornado can also provide peace of mind. Seeing the tornado move away from your location is a constant reminder that you’ll be OK soon and that the intensity will die down. In the thick of it, the danger does not seem like it’ll ever go away. Knowing how to hear about the good news when the weather is bad will be vital for staying strong.
Knowing this distinction alters how you approach a natural disaster. Many tornado watches are downgraded to regular storm warnings, removing any fears of an actual tornado. Knowing there is another phase to go before it becomes worse is essential for keeping a level head and appropriate expectations.
At the same time, it is critical to understand how a watch can turn into a warning with little time in between. This is why preparedness, education and communication are the most valuable tools you’ll have to fend off a natural disaster.
