After last week’s EF-3 tornado that wreaked havoc with the Lower Ninth Ward, Arabi, and New Orleans East, the National Weather Service has a number of recommendations to prepare for and survive another twister.
The first recommendation is stay weather aware. Listen to local news on WWL or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings.
If you are in a tornado warning, go to your basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows. Don't forget pets if time allows.
For children and young adults attending school, the NWS recommends following your tornado drill and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
If you happen to be caught outside as a tornado is approaching, get to a sturdy building as quickly as possible. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a mobile home or tent. If you have time, get to a safe building.
When driving in an area where a tornado is touching down, NWS says to seek out the nearest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
After the tornado passes, listen to local news for updates on the storm and whether more tornadoes are approaching where you are.
Let your family and close friends know that you're okay so they can help spread the word. Text messages or social media are more reliable forms of communication than phone calls.
After the threat for tornadoes has ended, check to see if your property has been damaged. When walking through storm damage, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes. Contact local authorities if you see power lines down. Stay out of damaged buildings. Be aware of insurance scammers if your property has been damaged.
Help out neighbors who may or may not be injured. Provide first aid to victims if needed until emergency response teams arrive.
