Tornado

Tornado Watch: A tornado watch is issued when conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms with one or more tornadoes.

Tornado Warning: A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been reported; or when there is evidence based on radar, or from a reliable spotter that a tornado is imminent.

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• Identify a safe room in your home where everyone gathers during a tornado — a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
• Conduct a tornado drill to make sure everyone knows where to go if a tornado is coming.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
• An approaching cloud of debris can indicate a tornado, even if you cannot see a funnel. The wind may die and the air can be quite still before a tornado.

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If you're indoors: 

• The safest place to be is an underground shelter, basement or safe room.
• If you don't have a basement, go to the centre of an interior room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls - put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
• Get under a sturdy piece of furniture — use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• Don't open windows or doors.
• If you are in a mobile home, go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately. Mobile homes do not offer much protection from tornadoes.

If you're outdoors:

• Don't wait until you see the tornado to get inside.
• If you can't get inside, lie flat in a low-lying area such as a ditch and cover your head with your hands.
• Don't go under an overpass or bridge - you're safer in a low, flat area.
• If you are in a car, do not try to outrun a tornado. Leave your vehicle immediately and find an indoor shelter or low-lying area like a ditch.
• Be aware of debris and flying objects.

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Follow the instructions of the authorities.

• Listen to directions such as evacuation orders or shelter in place directives. 
• Follow the township on Tiny Connect and on Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter). 
  • Visit the newsroom to read the latest news releases from the township. 

Do not go into damaged areas. There may be structural damage that may or may not be visible.

• Be aware that debris can present hazards – tripping, puncture wounds, collapsing structures, etc.
• Watch for sharp objects like nails and glass.
• Injuries due to tornadoes are often caused after the tornado has ended, when walking among and cleaning up debris.
• Watch out for downed power lines or ruptured gas lines. If you smell natural gas, get away from the source and notify authorities of a gas leak.

Check to see if you or others are injured.

• Do not move seriously injured or trapped people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury (such as from a collapsing structure).
• Seek medical assistance for them as soon as possible.

Stay informed

• Continue to monitor local weather information, preferably from battery-powered or wind-up radios.
• Use battery powered lights or lanterns, rather than candles, to light a home.
• Open flames can be dangerous if gas lines are compromised.
• Never use generators, camp stoves, or other fuel-burning appliances inside.
• Carbon monoxide, a clear, colorless, and odourless gas, can be emitted from these appliances and causes illness or death.
• Use battery powered lights or lanterns, rather than candles, to light a home. Open flames can be dangerous if gas lines are compromised.

Never use generators, camp stoves, or other fuel-burning appliances inside.

• Carbon monoxide, a clear, colorless, and odourless gas, can be emitted from these appliances and causes illness or death.