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Most
types of severe weather have the potential for generating
dangerous winds any time of the year. In some cases, they
may even spawn tornadoes. Windstorms and tornadoes are a
serious threat in most parts of the country.
Common items,
such as cans, bottles, signs, trees, glass, roof shingles,
lawn furniture, and toys, can become flying debris, or "projectiles," in
high winds. They frequently cause severe property damage as
well as major injuries and even death. The extent
of damage that a storm may cause is based on its wind speed.
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WIND SPEED (MPH)
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WIND EFFECTS
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25-31
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Large
branches will be in motion |
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32-38
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Whole
trees in motion, inconvenience felt walking against the
wind. |
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39-54
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Twigs
and small branches may break off of trees, wind generally
impedes progress when walking, high profile vehicles
such as trucks and motor homes may be difficult to control. |
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55-74
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Potential
damage to TV antennas, may push over shallow rooted trees
especially if the soil is saturated. |
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74-95
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Potential
for minimal structural damage, particularly to unanchored
mobile homes, power lines, signs, and tree branches may
be blown down. |
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96-110
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Moderate
structural damage to walls, roofs, and windows, large
signs and tree branches blown down, moving vehicles pushed
off roads. |
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111-130
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Extensive
structural damage to walls, roofs, and windows, trees
blown down, mobile homes may be destroyed. |
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131-155
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Extreme
damage to structures and roofs, trees uprooted or snapped. |
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Greater than 155
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Catastrophic damage, structures destroyed. |
::
top of the page ::
BEFORE HIGH WINDS OCCUR
- Identify
a shelter or safe area in your home, away from windows, that
will provide you with maximum protection.
- Locate utility
shutoff locations and show family members how to turn them
off when necessary
- Identify
items that must be secured or brought inside during winds
and severe weather
- Discuss
what to do in case the power goes out or someone gets injured
- Assemble
and emergency kit. Be sure to include flashlights, a battery
-powered radio, extra batteries, and a manual can opener.
- Keep some
nonperishable packaged or canned food on hand.
WHEN HIGH WINDS HAVE BEEN FORECAST
- Fill family
vehicles with fuel
- Anchor outdoor
objects that can blow away (such as garbage cans, hanging
plants, and lawn furniture) or move them inside.
::
top of the page ::
DURING
HIGH WINDS.
- Stay indoors
and away from windows
- Do not drive
- Stay away
from downed power lines
- Stay tuned
to a local radio or TV station for additional weather and
emergency information.
Avoid driving
when high winds are predicted or present. High winds
can easily push a car out of its lane of travel or off the
road. The larger the vehicle, the more susceptible it will
be to the force of the wind. If you are
driving when high winds occur, pull safely off of the road
and seek shelter in a building. Being in a parked car is safer
than being outside, however, being in a building is safer than
being in a car. During and
after periods of high winds, be cautious of debris in the roadway
and downed or low-hanging utility wires. If you see
a power line on the ground, DO NOT TOUCH it with anything.
Expect every power line to be "live." If a power
line falls across your vehicle, DON'T GET OUT! Wait for emergency
help to arrive. ::
top of the page ::
KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER
For the latest
weather information, tune to your local radio or TV station.
Listening to a NOAA weather radio station will also provide
current and forecast weather information. The National Weather
Service operates these "radio stations" and provides listeners
with continuous updates 24 hours-a-day. A weather WATCH means
that atmospheric conditions are right for severe weather. A weather WARNING means
that severe weather has been observed or is imminent in the
area specified. Tornadoes Do Occur Locally - FACTS You Should Know: Tornadoes travel
at an average speed of 30 mph, but have been known to reach
speeds of 70 mph, and can generate winds of over 200 mph. While most
tornado damage is caused by violent winds, tornado injuries
and deaths typically result from flying debris. :: top of the page ::
During a severe weather or a Tornado Watch, BE OBSERVANT
- Severe thunderstorms,
dark, often greenish-colored skies, large hail, 3/4-inch
in diameter or more, and a loud roar similar to a train may
be indications of a developing or approaching tornado
- If you see
a tornado or any of these indicators, take the actions noted
below
If
a Tornado Warning is issued, TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY
- Go to a
basement or an interior part of the lowest level of the building
you are in .Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls
- In most
cases, closets, bathrooms (without windows), and interior
hallways work best
- Get under
something sturdy -lie face down, draw your knees up under
you and cover the back of your head with your hands
- If you are
outside -lie down flat in the nearest ditch or ravine
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 Wayne County
Emergency Management Division
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