TORNADOES
Before: How to Plan
- Conduct tornado drills each year.
- Designate an area in the home as a shelter, and practice having everyone in the family go there in response to a tornado threat. Consider having a mattress or blankets there for extra protection.
- Discuss with family members the difference between “tornado watch” and “tornado warning”.
Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
In case family members are separated from one another during a tornado, have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as a “family contact”. After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone
in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.
Tornado Danger Signs
- An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel cloud is not visible.
- Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still.
- Tornadoes generally occur near the edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
Tornado Sirens
The City of Winter Park operates an Outdoor Tornado Siren Warning System as part of a comprehensive approach towards mass alerting for tornado severe weather events. Activated for a TORNADO WARNING issued for Orange County and directly threatening the Winter Park community. The siren system will provide a three-minute alert and will not include an “all clear” siren tone.
HURRICANES
Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan
- Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate.
- Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your area. You may need to take alternate or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing
- First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- A minimum of 3 gallons of water per person.
- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding/sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so.
Prepare for High Winds
- Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2″ outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home.
- Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically remove branches so that wind can blow through.
- Subscribe to free email and text message alerts through Winter Park Police OUTREACH Emergency Alert System and other local media news service providers.
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Tips and suggestions provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. For more information on the issues addressed in this informational pamphlet, visit fema.gov
Download a PDF version of this information
Also visit the Emergency Incidents page on the city website.