Tornado Safety Tips

Knowing simple safety rules and taking immediate action can save your life. The following safety tips are offered by the Clinton Emergency Management Committee, and the National Weather Services.

• The best shelter from a tornado is a basement. If you do not have a basement, go to an inside room without windows on the lowest level of the house (a closet, bathroom or interior hall). Protect your body from flying debris with a heavy blanket or sleeping bag.
  
  

• Avoid windows. Opening windows to equalize pressure is ineffective in reducing damage during a tornado. Don’t worry about the windows; worry about finding shelter and protecting yourself.
  
  

• Mobile homes are extremely unsafe during tornadoes. Seek shelter elsewhere.
  
  

• If your are caught in an open building like a shopping mall, gymnasium or civic center, get into the restroom, if possible. In larger buildings, restrooms are usually made of concrete block and will offer more protection.
  
  

• If there is no time to go anywhere else, seek shelter right where you are. Try to get up against something that will support or deflect falling debris. Protect your head by covering it with your arms.
  
  

• If you are outside when a tornado strikes, try to find shelter immediately in the nearest substantial building. If no buildings are close, take cover by lying down flat in a ditch or depression.
  
  

• If you are in your car, get out of your vehicle and try to find shelter. A culvert or ditch can  provide shelter if a substantial building is not nearby.
  
  

• Know the names of the counties, cities and towns that are near you, especially those to the west and south. You will be better able to track the tornado’s direction if you are familiar with the geography of your area.

Our site is dedicated to all of our Officers who currently serve, as well as our past Officers, Constables, Marshalls and Chief's of Police who have proudly served the Clinton Community.