Tornado in West Liberty, OH

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

With a tornado touching down in West Liberty, OH last night we just wanted to send out a reminder about tornado safety. We at SERVPRO of Central Auglaize/Hardin/Logan Counties are “Ready for whatever happens” and we want our community to be as well.

Tornado season in Ohio peaks in May June and July but they can strike any time day or night and at any time during the year. Tornadoes are most common in the Central Plains and Southeast United States, but they have been reported in all 50 states. A tornado is a rotating column of air coming from the bottom of a thunderstorm towards the ground. They are extremely powerful and can uproot trees, destroying well-made structures, and hurling object through the air like missiles.

The best way to protect yourself and your family is to have a plan in place if you ever encounter one of these powerful storms. Here are some tips to help keep you safe.

Before the Storm

• Know the signs of a tornado. Watch for rotation, funnel shaped clouds, and flying debris. Listen for load roaring, some compare it to the sound of a freight train.
• Be sure to keep an eye on weather conditions and sign up for your community’s warning system. NOAA weather radio and The Emergency Alert System (EAS) also provide this information.
• Find a safe place in your home to go during a storm and practice going there with your family. Best place to go is a basement or a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
• Have emergency supplies available in that room in case you are sheltering in place for extended periods. Emergency supplies should include water, non-perishable foods, medical supplies, and medications.
• Keep photos of the interior and exterior of your home in case your property experiences damage you will have photos to bring your home back to preloss conditions.

During the Storm

• Immediately gather your family and head to safe location you have identified.
• Pay attention to local alerting systems, NOAA Weather Radio, or EAS.
• Keep yourself protected by covering your head and neck with your arms or using materials such as blankets and furniture.
• If outdoors with no access to a building or in vehicle try to keep head and neck protected with arms and blankets/coats if possible. If you are in a vehicle, never try to outrun a tornado.

After the Storm

• Check local authorities, EAS, or NOAA weather radio to make sure coast is clear before leaving your safe location.
• Always stay clear of broken utility lines or fallen power lines.
• Contact your health care provider or emergency services if you are injured.
• Wear protective gear when cleaning up any debris. This should include work gloves, long pants, thick-sole shoes, and masks if necessary.

If you do experience a loss caused by a tornado contact SERVPRO of Central Auglaize/Hardin/Logan Counties 24/7 at 937-354-3540 so we can make it “Like it never even happened.”