Statewide tornado drill media toolkit

STATEWIDE Tornado DRILL MeDIA TOOLKIT

2016

Table of Contents

2016 Statewide Tornado Drill Overview 3

2015 in Review: Tornadoes in Michigan 5

Sample Resolution or Proclamation 6

Sample News Release 7

Talking Points
9

Sample Public Service Announcement 11

Promoting Tornado Safety through Social Media 12

Tornado Terminology 16

Before a Tornado 17

During a Tornado 19

After a Tornado 20

Tornadoes and Pets 20

American Red Cross Tornado App 23

Do 1 Thing 24

Additional Resources 25

2016 Statewide Tornado Drill Overview

With Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week from April 10-16, emergency management partners statewide are encouraging Michiganders to conduct a statewide tornado drill at 1:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 13.

All businesses, organizations, families and individuals are welcome to participate in the voluntary statewide preparedness activity. Nearly all state of Michigan facilities will be involved.

While tornadoes can occur any time of the year, they are especially common during the late spring and early summer months. As one of nature’s most violent storms, they can devastate homes and property in just seconds. The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means citizens need to be ready to react quickly when a warning is issued.
What is in this packet?

Emergency management officials from the state, local and private-sector communities have created fact sheets and sample messages to spread the word about being prepared before, during and after a tornado. The information provided is to be used as the public information officer feels is necessary.

Customization and modification of the materials are encouraged to inform and educate the public about the 2016 Statewide Tornado Drill. Use the information as your organization sees fit to be a part of this statewide preparedness activity.

Suggested 2016 Statewide Tornado Drill Communications Timeline

March 1	Radio: Contact your local radio station and educate the station director about the 2016 Statewide Tornado Drill. Email the radio PSAs and a signed copy of the letter template. Radio stations will put these letters in a file as proof that they are providing a community service.
March 1-31	Homework: Study the 2016 Statewide Tornado Drill talking points. Social Media: Follow the 2016 Statewide Tornado Drill social media plan. Start promoting the upcoming drill on Facebook and Twitter. Community Outreach: Identify who in your community will be participating in the drill. Reach out to neighborhood and faith-based organizations and promote the drill. News Media: See if any partner would be willing to demonstrate their drill to local media. Plan a media availability for a particular event. Sample Proclamation: Have your community’s board pass a resolution or chief executive official issue a proclamation about Severe Weather Awareness Week.
April 1-9	News Release: Issue a news release about Severe Weather Awareness Week and the 2016 Statewide Tornado Drill. Social Media: Use social media to promote the upcoming drill. See the social media timetable for guidance.
April 10-12	News Media: Call your local news media outlets and let them know about a 2016 Statewide Tornado Drill activity taking place. See if any news organization is willing to do a piece on the statewide tornado drill. If needed, issue a media advisory about an example drill activity occurring at 1:30 p.m. EDT on April 13. Radio Interviews: Arrange to be on a radio talk shows to explain the statewide tornado drill. Social Media: Use social media to promote the drill on Wednesday, April 13. Explain why it’s important to test your plans.
April 13	Media Availability: Invite the media to a site so they can see firsthand how your community is putting preparedness and into action for the drill. Social Media: Use various social media tools to promote the drill. Take photos as the drill occurs. Post to Facebook and Twitter.

2015 in Review: Tornadoes in Michigan

On average, Michigan has 15 tornadoes a year. In 2015, there were 14 tornadoes across the state. The days that saw most of the tornado activity were June 22-23 and Nov. 6.
The first tornado on June 22 was the Portland EF1 tornado that moved through the heart of the community during the afternoon hours, affecting more than 50 homes, businesses and churches.

There were four additional tornadoes around midnight as June 22 turned to June 23 across the southeast Lower Peninsula. The most significant of these was an EF2 tornado that developed near Birch Run before dissipating 10 miles later near Millington. This tornado touched down near the Pine Ridge RV Campground and severely damaged a couple of houses as it moved into Tuscola County.

A rare November severe line of thunderstorms developed over central Lower Michigan during the pre-dawn hours of Nov. 6. This line would spawn 3 tornadoes across the Thumb region of Lower Michigan. The strongest was an EF1 just southwest of Applegate where a mobile home and several barns and outbuildings were destroyed.

Other damaging EF1 tornadoes occurred with severe thunderstorms. Those included the Aug. 2 tornado in Owendale (Huron County), the Aug. 8 tornado near Rose City (Ogemaw), and the December 23 tornado in Canton (Wayne).

The Rose City tornado developed on Sept. 8 and was on the ground for nearly 9 miles. Most of the damage from this tornado consisted of trees snapped or downed by the swirling winds.

The Canton EF1 tornado was the first Michigan tornado in the month of December since records began being kept in 1950. This storm proved once again that severe weather can develop during any month of the year if the atmospheric conditions are favorable.

Sample Resolution or Proclamation

Resolutions and proclamations can bring awareness to certain topics and campaigns. Have your local government board pass a resolution or chief executive official issue a proclamation to bring awareness to Severe Weather Awareness Week from April 10-16.
April 10-16, 2016: Severe Weather Awareness Week

WHEREAS, [STATE RECENT SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCIES]; and,

WHEREAS, severe weather, in the form of thunderstorms, wind storms, floods and tornadoes, is a threat to the health and safety of all [MUNICIPALITY/COUNTY NAME] residents, causing seven injuries in 2015; and,

WHEREAS, each year, more than 1,000 tornadoes strike the United States, including an average of 15 in Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, since 1950, 1,009 tornadoes have been reported in the State of Michigan, resulting in substantial loss of life and property; and,

WHEREAS, all individuals are encouraged to be aware of the warning signs of severe weather and follow proper safety and emergency procedures; and,

WHEREAS, each year, the [LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY], Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, and news media join together to educate the public about the dangers of tornadoes and other severe weather events and the precautions that can be taken to save lives and protect families;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, [NAME], [TITLE], do hereby proclaim April 10-16, 2016, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in [MUNICIPALITY/COUNTY NAME].
Tornado Drill Day

WHEREAS, [MUNICIPALITY/COUNTY] may experience severe weather in the form of thunderstorms, wind storms, floods, and tornadoes each year, which threatens the health and safety of residents.

WHEREAS, each year, more than 1,000 tornadoes strike the United States, including an average of 15 in Michigan and [NUMBER OF TORNADOS IN COMMUNITY]; and,

WHEREAS, since 1950, 1,009 tornadoes have been reported in the State of Michigan, resulting in substantial loss of life and property; and,

WHEREAS, all individuals are encouraged to be aware of the warning signs of severe weather and follow proper safety and emergency procedures; and,

WHEREAS, the [COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY] joins together with the Michigan State Police and other emergency management partners to educate the public about the dangers of tornadoes and other severe weather events and the precautions that can be taken to save lives and protect families;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, [NAME], [TITLE], do hereby proclaim April 13, 2016, as Tornado Drill Day.

Sample News Release

Take Cover Michigan: Statewide Tornado Drill on April 13

Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week April 10-16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [DATE]

[CITY]–With Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week from April 10-16, [AGENCY NAME] is calling upon community members to take action to prepare by participating in a statewide tornado drill at 1:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 13.

Businesses, organizations, families and individuals are encouraged to be a part of the voluntary statewide preparedness activity. [LOCAL FACILITIES] will be participating.

“Tornadoes can develop rapidly, with little or no warning,” said [AGENCY DIRECTOR OR LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGER], [TITLE]. “Due to their unpredictable nature, we must be ready well in advance. We’re asking residents and businesses to take few extra steps during the week to ensure they’re prepared and safe.”

While tornadoes can occur during any time of the year, they are especially common during the late spring and early summer months. As one of nature’s most violent storms, they can devastate homes and property in just seconds.

The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means citizens need to be ready to react quickly when a warning is issued.

To be ready for a tornado:

• 
  Identify the lowest place to take cover during a tornado. If a basement does not exist, find an interior hallway away from windows, doors and outside walls.
  
• 
  Find something sturdy—such as a workbench or stairwell—to get under when taking shelter in the basement or a designated spot.
  
• 
  Conduct regular tornado drills. Make sure each household member knows where to go and what to do in the event of a tornado.
  
• 
  Stay tuned to commercial radio or television broadcasts for news on changing weather conditions or approaching storms.
  
• 
  Know the difference: a Tornado Watch means conditions exist for a tornado to develop; a Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
  
• 
  Be aware of the following signs that can indicate an approaching tornado:
  
  • 
    Dark, often greenish sky
    
  • 
    Large hail
    
  • 
    A large, dark low-lying cloud
    
  • 
    Loud roar, similar to a freight train
    
• 
  Develop a 72-hour emergency supply kit with essential items such as a three-day supply of water and food, a NOAA Weather Radio, important family documents and items that satisfy unique family needs.
  

About Severe Weather Awareness Week

Severe Weather Awareness Week is sponsored by the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (MCSWA) to educate the public about the danger of tornadoes and other severe weather events, including the precautions that can be taken to save lives and protect families. The MCSWA was formed in 1991 to encourage Michigan residents to be prepared in the event of severe weather. To learn more about the committee, go to www.mcswa.com.

For more information about being safe before, during and after a tornado, go to [AGENCY WEBSITE] or [AGENCY SOCIAL MEDIA]. Emergency preparedness information is also available at www.ready.gov/tornadoes.

###

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

[RANK AND NAME], [AGENCY NAME], [PHONE]

Talking Points

• 
  With this week being Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, [MUNICIPALITY/COUNTY NAME] will be participating in the statewide tornado drill on Wednesday. That means [PARTICIPATING OFFICES] will be taking preparedness into action and sheltering at exactly 1:30 p.m. EDT.
  
• 
  Businesses, organizations, families and individuals are encouraged to be a part of this voluntary statewide preparedness activity. It only takes a moment, and pays safety dividends.
  
• 
  Tornadoes can develop rapidly, with little or no warning. Due to their unpredictable nature, we must be ready well in advance. We’re asking county residents and businesses to take few extra steps during this week to ensure they’re prepared and safe.
  
• 
  We hope the tornado drill begins a broader conversation about emergency preparedness.
  
  • 
    Do you have a plan?
    
  • 
    Where will you go?
    
  • 
    What will you do?
    
  • 
    Unfortunately, a lot of individuals don’t think about these things until it’s too late. And many can’t answer these basic questions.
    
    
    
• 
  While tornadoes can occur during any time of the year, they are especially common during the late spring and early summer months. As one of nature’s most violent storms, they can devastate homes and property in just seconds.
  
• 
  The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means residents need to be ready to react quickly when a warning is issued.
  
• 
  Individuals need to identify the lowest place to take cover during a tornado. If a basement does not exist, find an interior hallway away from windows, doors and outside walls.
  
  • 
    Go under something sturdy—such as a workbench or stairwell—when taking shelter in the basement or a designated spot.
    
  • 
    I strongly encourage residents to conduct regular tornado drills. Make sure each household member knows where to go and what to do in the event of a tornado.
    
    
    
• 
  Stay tuned to commercial radio or television broadcasts for news on changing weather conditions or approaching storms.
  
• 
  Know the difference: a Tornado Watch means conditions exist for a tornado to develop; a Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
  
• 
  Be aware of the following signs that can indicate an approaching tornado:
  
  • 
    Dark, often greenish sky
    
  • 
    Large hail
    
  • 
    A large, dark low-lying cloud
    
  • 
    Loud roar, similar to a freight train
    
    
    
• 
  Develop a 72-hour emergency supply kit with essential items such as a three-day supply of water and food, a NOAA Weather Radio, important family documents and items that satisfy unique family needs.
  
• 
  In [MUNICIPALITY/COUNTY NAME], we use [TECHNOLOGY – like CodeRed or Nixle, etc.] to alert residents about tornadoes. If you haven’t done so, subscribe to our service by going to [WEBSITE, etc.].
  
• 
  To learn more about being safe during a tornado, go to www.michigan.gov/miready or check out [LOCAL AGENCY WEBSITE].
  

Sample Public Service Announcement

The Michigan State Police has partnered with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters to create public service announcements for the 2016 Statewide Tornado Drill.

Included with this packet you will find two WMV files to submit to your local radio stations. Through a collaborative effort, we have developed two messages—outdoor warning siren awareness and statewide tornado drill awareness.

When sending the radio PSAs to local radio stations, include the following letter to ensure the station receives community service recognition.
Dear [LOCAL RADIO STATION CONTACT]:

With Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week from April 10-16, the [LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY] is encouraging businesses, organizations, families, and individuals to be a part of a voluntary statewide tornado drill at 1:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 13.

While tornadoes can occur any time of the year, they are especially common during the late spring and early summer months. As one of nature’s most violent storms, they can devastate homes and property in just seconds. The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means citizens need to be ready to react quickly when a warning is issued.

I ask that you please add the enclosed PSAs regarding tornado safety to your rotation and play them as frequently as possible through April 2016. By putting preparedness into action, we can be a ready for this year’s tornado season. A prepared [COUNTY/MUNICIPALITY NAME] is a resilient [COUNTY/MUNICIPALITY NAME].

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Promoting Tornado Safety through Social Media

Social media enable two-way conversations to take place with the public about practicing tornado safety and preparedness. Citizens can share and re-share preparedness information with those in their social network.

Hashtag: #mitornadodrill

Sample Twitter tweets:

1. 
   Are you prepared if a tornado hits your area? Take action and make an emergency preparedness kit! #mitornadodrill
   
2. 
   It’s tornado season in #MI. Do you know what to do before, during & after a tornado to stay safe? Visit www.mi.gov/miready.
   
3. 
   Tornadoes can occur at any time, but most likely between 3-9 p.m. If outdoors after school/work, monitor weather on phones or radios.
   
4. 
   Tornado signs: Dark skies, hail, low-lying clouds or a large roar. If you see any of these seek, shelter immediately & monitor media.
   
5. 
   If there is a possibility for severe weather while away from home, identify a safe shelter location before a tornado strikes. #mitornadodrill
   
6. 
   Ask a store employee or manager for shelter information if you are in a store or shopping center during a tornado watch/warning.
   
7. 
   Tornadoes are common during #MI spring & summer. Talk to your family about safe shelter locations before a tornado strikes. #mitornadodrill
   
8. 
   A great way to stay informed if severe weather is heading your way is to purchase a @NOAA Weather Radio to keep you updated 24/7.
   
9. 
   Tornadoes can strike with little or no warning. Prepare by making a family communications plan. http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan #mitornadodrill
   
10. 
    April 10-16 is Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week. Use this week as your opportunity to practice a tornado drill.
    
11. 
    Tornado watch means that a tornado is possible in your area. Remain alert and monitor your @NOAA Weather Radio for info. #mitornadodrill
    
12. 
    Tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately. #mitornadodrill
    
13. 
    If you are outside during a tornado, DO NOT go under an overpass or bridge for safety. Go to a low, flat location. #mitornadodrill
    
14. 
    Choose a designated room in your home as a safe room. When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter there. #mitornadodrill
    
15. 
    Each year, more than 1,000 tornadoes strike the United States, including an average of 15 in Michigan. #mitornadodrill
    
16. 
    Since 1950, 1,009 tornadoes have been reported in the State of Michigan, resulting in substantial loss of life and property. #mitornadodrill
    
17. 
    Last year, Ionia County and the city of Portland received a disaster declaration due to widespread and severe damage caused by a tornado. #mitornadodrill
    

Sample Facebook posts:

1. 
   Tornadoes are one of nature’s most violent storms. They can cause fatalities and devastate homes, businesses, neighborhoods and towns in seconds. Are you prepared if a tornado strikes? http://www.ready.gov/miready #mitornadoready
   

(GRAPHIC 001)

2. 
   With Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week from April 10-16, a statewide tornado drill will be taking place at 1:30 p.m. EDT Wednesday, April 13. Communities are taking action to prepare by participating in the drill. #mitornadodrill
   

(GRAPHIC 005)

3. 
   A statewide tornado drill is happening at 1:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 13. Do you want to learn how to be safe during a tornado watch or warning? Go to www.michigan.gov/miready or www.ready.gov/tornadoes for tips.
   

(GRAPHIC 002)

4. 
   What signs indicate a tornado is coming? Dark green-tinted sky, large hail, large dark low-lying clouds, loud roar and severe storms. Know the signs, be ready. #mitornadodrill
   

(GRAPHIC 003)

5. 
   Emergency preparedness kits can be useful during any emergency, including tornadoes. Keep a three-day supply of necessities, such as food and water stocked in the event a tornado occurs. #mitornadodrill
   

(GRAPHIC 004)

6. 
   A great way to be informed of tornado watches or warnings in your area is by having a NOAA Weather Radio on hand. NOAA Weather Radios provide a 24-hour service of weather forecasts, watches, warnings and other emergency information. Weather radios can be purchased online from $25-$100.
   

(GRAPHIC 005)

Social Media Timeline

March 1-31	Twitter: Assorted tornado tweets. Be sure to stress Severe Weather Awareness Week from April 10-16 and the 2016 Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday, April 13. Facebook: Post No. 2 once or twice during March.
April 1-2	Twitter: Assorted tornado tweets. Be sure to stress Severe Weather Awareness Week from April 10-16 and the statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, April 13. Facebook: Post No. 2 week before; others as needed.
April 3-16	Twitter: Post tornado safety tips as needed. Promote the statewide drill on Wednesday, April 13. Facebook: Post sample post No. 2 if haven’t done so; Nos. 1, 4, 5 and 6 may be posted.
April 13	Twitter: Tweet tornado safety tips all day. Be sure to schedule the Tweets with 30 to 60 minute gaps. Don’t forget to promote the statewide tornado drill at 2 p.m. Facebook: Post No. 3.

Tornado Terminology

Tornadoes can happen abruptly, especially during Michigan’s late spring and early summer seasons. Learn the terms to understand and know what do before, during and after a tornado.

Tornado terms:

• 
  Tornado: A violently rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach over 200 mph.
  
• 
  Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio reports, commercial radio and television reports for further information.
  
• 
  Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar in your area. Take shelter immediately.
  
• 
  Supercell: A system producing severe thunderstorms, featuring rotating winds sustained by a prolonged updraft that may result in hail or tornadoes.
  
• 
  Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale: Rates the strength of tornadoes in the United States and Canada. There are six categories for the EF scale and are in order of increasing intensity. *It is a based on wind estimates of a 3 second gust.*
  
  • 
    EF0: Tornadoes with estimated wind speed of 65-85 mph and leads to light damage.
    
  • 
    EF1: Estimated wind speed of 86-110 mph with the potential of moderate damage.
    
  • 
    EF2: Estimated wind speeds of 111-135 mph with significant damage potential.
    
  • 
    EF3: Estimated wind speeds of 136-165 mph with severe damage potential.
    
  • 
    EF4: Estimated wind speeds of 166-200 mph with devastating damage potential
    
  • 
    EF5: Estimated wind speeds of over 200 mph with incredible damage potential.
    

Before a Tornado

Tornadoes are known for developing so rapidly that little advanced warning is possible. Average lead time for tornadoes is 10 to 15 minutes, which is why Michigan citizens are encouraged to prepare and make a plan before a tornado strikes. To be ready before a tornado:

• 
  Create an emergency preparedness kit for your home that includes the following items:
  
  • 
    Water, at least three gallons of water per person
    
  • 
    Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person
    
  • 
    Prescribed medications
    
  • 
    Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
    
  • 
    Flashlight and extra batteries
    
  • 
    First aid kit
    
  • 
    Whistle to signal for help
    
  • 
    Pet supplies
    
  • 
    A complete change of clothing and footwear for each person
    
  • 
    Bedding
    
  • 
    Important family documents
    
  • 
    Extra clothes and blankets
    
• 
  Develop and implement a family communications plan with family members living in your home so when a tornado strikes, you know how to get to a safe place. Be sure the plan also addresses the following:
  
  • 
    Where you will meet up if separated?
    
  • 
    How you will contact each other?
    
  • 
    What would you do in different situations?
    

• 
  Listen to your NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. Listen to instructions given by local emergency management and law enforcement officials.
  

• 
  Be aware of the danger signs indicating a tornado:
  
  • 
    Dark, often greenish sky
    
  • 
    Large hail
    
  • 
    A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
    
  • 
    Loud roar, similar to a freight train
    
  • 
    If you see approaching storms or any of these signs, be prepared to take a shelter immediately
    

During a Tornado

With tornadoes having the ability to touch down in a matter of minutes, Michigan citizens need to be prepared to quickly react and launch an emergency plan.

Inside:

• 
  If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately. If there is a tornado watch in your area, monitor local media and seek shelter when thunderstorms approach.
  
• 
  If you are in a building—like a home, small building, school or business—go to a pre-designated safe room, basement, storm shelter or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of a smaller interior room, such as a closet or hallway, that is away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls.
  
• 
  Once you are in lower level room of a building, make sure to protect your head and neck.
  
• 
  Make sure to bring your emergency preparedness kit to your pre-designated safe room to have emergency supplies ready in the event help cannot reach you right away.
  
• 
  If you live in a mobile home, exit the home and immediately go to a designated storm shelter. Even when mobile homes are tied down, they offer very little protection from a tornado.
  

Outside:

• 
  If you are outside during a tornado, the only safe location is a sturdy permanent building. Seek that shelter immediately. Go to the lowest level and seek shelter in an interior room without any windows.
  
• 
  If you cannot get to a shelter, get to your vehicle and drive to the nearest shelter. If flying debris occurs while driving, pull over and park. Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on, covering your head and lying below the windows.
  
• 
  DO NOT seek shelter under an overpass or bridge. These are some of the most dangerous locations and you will be exposed to flying debris.
  
• 
  Stay away from objects that can be easily blown around. Most people injured from tornados from flying debris.
  
• 
  If you are boating, go to land and seek shelter immediately.
  

After a Tornado

Once a tornado passes through your area, make sure all family members are safe and secure. Afterward, assess damages and stay safe by following the appropriate steps:

• 
  Inspect your property and motor vehicles for damage.
  
• 
  Write down the date and list the damages for insurances purposes. Take pictures and videos of the damage.
  
• 
  Check for electrical problems or gas leaks and report them to your local utility company at once.
  
• 
  Watch out for and stay 25 feet away from downed power lines.
  
• 
  Stay out of damaged buildings until you are sure they are safe and will not collapse.
  
• 
  Secure your property from further damage or theft.
  
• 
  Use only chlorinated or bottled water for drinking. Check on your food supply because if stored in a refrigerator or freezer with no power, food will spoil.
  
• 
  Use the food and water supply in your emergency preparedness kit for your family if power is out.
  

Tornadoes and Pets

Tornadoes not only put stress on people, but also on family pets. Tornadoes often produce anxiety, fear and a need to escape for pets. Flying debris and high winds can also leave pets susceptible to injury if they are left unprotected outside. Make sure to take preparedness measures for pets before, during and after a tornado.

Preparing your pet for a tornado:

• 
  Create an emergency supply kit for your pet that includes:
  
  • 
    Leash and collar
    
  • 
    Transport carrier
    
  • 
    Food and water (3-5 day supply)
    
  • 
    Any medications
    
  • 
    Vaccination history, rabies certificate
    
  • 
    Waste disposal supplies
    
  • 
    A blanket
    
  • 
    Favorite toy
    
  • 
    Your veterinarian’s contact information
    
  • 
    Special supplies for pets such as birds, pocket pets or reptiles (e.g., heat lamps)
    
• 
  Make sure pets are current on all vaccinations.
  
• 
  Develop an evacuation plan for your pets.
  
  • 
    For public health reasons, many evacuation shelters will not be able to accept pets.
    
  • 
    Identify pet-friendly locations in case you need to evacuate. A good source is www.petswelcome.com.
    
  • 
    Check with boarding facilities, pet-friendly hotels, veterinary clinics, relatives or family friends outside the impacted area.
    
• 
  Ensure your pet can be identified.
  
  • 
    All pets should have some sort of identification, like a collar with a tag and microchip.
    
  • 
    Take a photo of the pet and keep it with the medical records.
    
  • 
    Include any proof of ownership materials, such as registration, proof of purchase, adoption records and microchip information.
    
• 
  Practice getting the entire family, including your pet, to the tornado safe area before a tornado event occurs.
  
• 
  Practice learning how to quickly and safely secure your pet in an emergency.
  

During a tornado:

• 
  Bring your pets inside immediately in advance if possible.
  
• 
  NEVER leave pets outside and avoid leaving them behind if possible during a tornado watch or warning.
  
  • 
    If there is no other alternative, leave them loose inside your home with food and plenty of water.
    
  • 
    NEVER leave your pet chained outside or enclosed in a way they cannot escape danger.
    
• 
  If your pet is frightened, reassure them and remain calm.
  
• 
  Pets should be provided the same cover as humans during severe weather.
  
• 
  Put all pets into cages or carriers in the safe room when a tornado warning is issued. Animals can sense bad weather and often will look for a place to hide or escape if they sense it’s near.
  

After a tornado:

• 
  Be aware that a pet’s behavior may change before, during and even after a disaster.
  
• 
  Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet may become confused and lost.
  
  • 
    In the first few days after the disaster, leash your pets when they go outside.
    
  • 
    Always maintain close contact.
    
  • 
    Reintroduce food in small servings, gradually working up to full portions, especially if animals have been without food for a prolonged period of time.
    
• 
  Keep your pet away from storm damaged areas. Power lines could be down and dangerous objects can be littered everywhere.
  
• 
  If you pet is lost and cannot be found after a disaster, contact your local animal control office. Bring along a picture of your pet if possible.
  

Source: www.Prep4AgThreats.org

American Red Cross Tornado App

The American Red Cross Tornado App provides users local and real-time NOAA tornado watch and warning alerts—whether it’s the community where they live or places where friends and loved ones live. It also gives instant access to information on what to do before, during and after tornadoes. The app is free and available in English and Spanish. It’s designed for iPhone, iPad and Android smart phones and tablets. 

Key features:

• 
  ​Audible alerts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A high-pitched, siren and “tornado warning!” message will sound when a NOAA tornado warning is issued in a person’s area—even if the app is closed. An “all clear!” alert lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or been cancelled.
  
• 
  Location-based NOAA tornado, severe thunderstorm and flood alerts for the entire United States and its territories.
  
• 
  Social media information sharing options. 
  

Other information:

• 
  ​Simple steps and checklists to create a family emergency plan and share with household members; 
  
• 
  Enhanced weather maps and information provided by Weather Underground, a digital brand of The Weather Company;
  
• 
  Interactive quizzes with badges users can earn and share on social networks; 
  
• 
  Preloaded preparedness content that gives instant access to all information even without mobile connectivity; 
  
• 
  An “I’m safe” button that enables users to send a message letting friends and loved ones know they are out of harm’s way; 
  
• 
  A toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and an audible alarm; and 
  
• 
  Locations of open Red Cross shelters. 
  

For more information about the Tornado App, go to www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/tornado-app.

Do 1 Thing

Do 1 Thing is a national nonprofit organization that encourages individuals, families, businesses and communities to prepare for all hazards and to become disaster resilient.

This award-winning nonprofit is not an awareness program, but a call to action. Their curriculum is based on research into the reasons people don’t prepare and designed to overcome those barriers, including:

• 
  It’s too hard.
  
• 
  It’s too expensive.
  
• 
  It won’t happen here.
  
• 
  I don’t know where to start.
  

The basis of the call to action is 12 monthly fact sheets—12 steps—that cover different areas of emergency preparedness. Each fact sheet has a goal and a “what/why” statement that is designed to motivate people to act.

Through community partners, Do 1 Thing curriculum is designed to be turnkey system for any community or organization. Organizations with limited resources can easily incorporate the preparedness materials.

In addition, Do 1 Thing Business is designed to overcome the barriers that keep small and medium-sized organizations from preparing for a disaster. Many small businesses and nonprofits feel that they don't have the resources—time, money or expertise—to create a continuity plan.  

To learn more about making your community more resilient, go to www.do1thing.com.

Additional Resources

• 
  www.michigan.gov/miready—Preparedness information provided by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division about what to do before, during and after an emergency or disaster.
  
• 
  www.michigan.gov/prepare—Emergency preparedness health and safety information by the Michigan Department of Community Health, Office of Public Health Preparedness.
  
• 
  www.redcross.org —Tornado safety information from the American Red Cross.
  
• 
  www.Prep4AgThreats.org — Resources to help rural communities prepare for disasters and other hazards by the center for Food Security and Public Health.
  
• 
  www.ready.gov—Resources and information about all-hazards emergency preparedness.
  
• 
  http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/severeweather/index.shtml—National Weather Service’s spring weather preparedness page.
  
• 
  www.mcswa.com—Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness.
  
• 
  http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/—National Weather Service’s Weather Ready Nation. Help your community, organization, or business become weather ready and serve as an example for others to follow.
  
• 
  www.do1thing.com— A 12-step preparedness program designed to make communities more resilient through all hazards.