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Tornado season approaching

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Eikren
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Missouri and Illinois, along with Scott, participated in a statewide tornado drill March 5 to prepare for the upcoming tornado season.

Tornado season in Illinois is from mid-March to June, but tornados have occurred in every month, with an average of 43 per year.

Timothy McFall, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron installation emergency manager, said, "Every year, thousands of tornados touchdown all over the U.S. and for Scott they pose the greatest severe weather threat to life and property. This is an opportunity to plan how to react and take shelter from, in response to severe weather or tornadoes."

Tornadoes are dark rotating clouds, typically funnel shaped that commonly include large hail. Most occur between 2 and 10 p.m.

"Being ready for severe weather is your best defense and as part of your preparation it is important to know some of the basics and simple things you can do to be prepared should one come this way," said McFall.

Scott uses AtHoc Emergency Mass Notification System via telephone, network computer, email and loud speaker. The base siren system only goes off when a tornado is within 5 miles of the base.

"Know the differences between a tornado watch and warning," said McFall.

Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for a tornado to form.

· Expect heavy rains, hail, and high winds.

· Keep the radio and television on and listen for the latest weather information.

· Keep watching the sky especially from the west or southwest.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted in the area.

· Seek protection immediately!

· When in office buildings go to an interior hallway on the lowest floor, away from doors and windows.

If you see a funnel cloud nearby, take shelter immediately. If you spot a tornado that is far away, help alert others to the hazard before taking shelter. Use common sense and exercise caution: if you believe that you might be in danger, seek shelter immediately.

McFall said, "Being prepared is the first step to minimizing the chances anyone gets hurt, so talk to your co-workers or families about what you will do in the event of an emergency."

Scott tests base sirens the first Tuesday of every month.

For more information, contact Emergency Management at 256-4831.