Tornado season is approaching, drill Friday at 1 p.m Published March 24, 2010 By Emergency management SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Each year, about a thousand tornadoes touch down all over the United States. At Scott Air Force Base, tornadoes pose the greatest severe weather threat to life and property. Being ready for severe weather is the best defense. As part of preparation it is important to know when tornado season is, some basics about tornados, and simple things you can do to be prepared should one come this way. Scott will conduct a tornado drill Friday at 1 p.m. A siren will sound for approximately 10 minutes. Personnel should practice their tornado operating procedures. Tornado season in Illinois is from mid-March until June, but tornadoes have occurred in every month of the year. Illinois averages 43 tornadoes per year; however, in 1998, 105 tornadoes were reported in Illinois, two short of the record 107 that occurred in 1974. Tornadoes are usually short in duration, are produced during severe thunderstorms, and are most frequently seen from mid-afternoon through the evening. Tornadoes typically move from southwest toward the northeast at speeds of 30 to 40 mph, but can move as fast as 70 mph and produce wind gusts of up to 300 mph. Not every severe thunderstorm will produce a tornado, but if conditions are right, a tornado can develop in minutes. Tornadoes can take many forms, but are typically funnel shaped. Tornado clouds are usually dark and rotating and large hail is very common. Often debris will be seen flying in a swirling motion in the air. The sound that a tornado produces is unique, and has often been described as sounding like a freight train. The area in which tornados are most prevalent is known as "Tornado Alley," typically defined as the region from Texas to Nebraska The good news is that only a small percentage of tornados actually strike occupied buildings or homes, but every year a number of people are killed or injured by them. The chance that a tornado will strike a building or home that you are in is very small. If it does, you can greatly reduce the chance of injury by doing and knowing a few simple things. Be Alert One of the most important things you can do to prevent being injured in a tornado is to be alert to the onset of severe weather. Most deaths and injuries happen to people who are unaware and uninformed. Keep tuned to local radio and TV stations or to a National Oceanic Administration Association weather radio. You should also know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. Tornado Watch Conditions are favorable for a tornado to form. · Expect heavy rains, hail, and high winds. · Keep the radio/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. Note: Scott will only sound the Base Siren System when a tornado threatens the base. The surrounding communities will sound their sirens when a tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service for St. Clair County. Tune into NOAA at Scott's 1050 AM Emergency Radio Station. · Seek protection immediately! (Put down the camcorder and go inside) · When in office buildings go to an interior hallway on the lowest floor, away from doors and windows. Sighting a Funnel Cloud 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 by reporting it before taking shelter. Use common sense and exercise caution: if you believe that you might be in danger, seek shelter immediately. Taking Shelter Flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during a tornado. The key to surviving a tornado and reducing the risk of injury lies in planning, preparing, and practicing what you and your family will do if a tornado strikes. One basic rule is avoid windows. An exploding window can injure or kill. At Home Pick a place in the home where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. The safest place in the home is the interior part of a basement. If there is no basement, go to an inside room, without windows, on the lowest floor. This could be a center hallway, bathroom, or closet. For added protection, get under something sturdy such as a heavy table or workbench. If possible, cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag, or mattress, and protect your head with anything available--even your hands. In a Mobile Home Do not stay in a mobile home during a tornado. Mobile homes can turn over during strong winds. Even mobile homes with a tie-down system cannot withstand the force of tornado winds. Plan ahead. If you live in a mobile home, go to a nearby building, preferably one with a basement. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert and shield your head with your hands. Long-Span Buildings A long-span building, such as a shopping mall, theater, or gymnasium, is especially dangerous because the roof structure is usually supported solely by the outside walls. Most such buildings hit by tornados cannot withstand the enormous pressure. If you are in a long-span building during a tornado, stay away from windows and get to the lowest level of the building. Public Buildings Extra care is required in offices, schools, hospitals, or any building where a large group of people are concentrated in a small area. The exterior walls of such buildings often have large windows. If you are in any of these buildings: · Move away from windows and glass doorways · Go to the innermost part of the building on the lowest possible floor · Do not use elevators because the power may fail, leaving you trapped · Protect your head and make yourself as small a target as possible Outdoors If possible, get inside a sturdy building. If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch, low-lying area, or near a strong building. Beware of potential flooding. In a car Never try to outrun a nearby tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air. Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch, low-lying area away from the vehicle, or near a strong building. Beware of potential flooding. Tornadoes can occur at Scott and surrounding community. Being prepared is the first step in ensuring if one does happen, that you minimize the chances anyone is hurt. Talk to family and co-workers about what you will do in the event of a tornado and practice it. Be ready. Be safe.