Tornados

In addition to training, every good trip needs a contingency plan. For example, if you get separated from your party in a foreign country, how long do you wait to call the police? What about the U.S. Embassy? Everyone needs to be on the same page in tense situations.

Next week, I’m road tripping from New Orleans to the Kentucky Derby. The last time it snowed in Seattle, we all nearly died. So, a bunch of Yankees in Tornado country at the height of Tornado season certainly need a contingency plan. Yes, I’m capitalizing Tornado. You don’t screw around with a Tornado. Give it the respect that it deserves.

I did a little research on Tornado survival, and found this informative article from ABC News. I learned some stuff that we actually will need to know. For example we should know the difference between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning. A Tornado watch means weather conditions are right for a Tornado to form in your area, whereas a Tornado warning means a Tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area.

Also, the National Weather Service has a station that is dedicated to broadcasting weather alerts 24/7. However, the article fails to mention that you need a special transmitter to pick up the signal. So that’s useful.

One of my derby companions suggested bringing some sort of emergency signal, like a flare or flag.



Here are a few other important tips:
•Check the sky for danger signs, such as “a large, dark, low-lying cloud, particularly if rotating” (Wow. Really? PARTICULARLY if it is rotating.)
•Stay out of mobile homes. (I’ll do my best.)
•Don’t try to outrun the twister. (Um, thanks, but no thanks. I think you mean Tornado. And yes, I will try to outrun it.)
•Watch out for flying debris.

Do you see them? You’re not looking!!! Do you see the debris? Watch out!

Twister photo from dreamagic.com
Flag photo from confederatemercantile.com