Editorial

Oklahoma storm reminds residents of need for shelter

Thursday, May 23, 2013

The need for emergency preparedness has been a hot topic since the September 11 attacks, and before that, baby boomers remember "duck and cover" atomic attack drills. Today's children will recall exercises designed to help them deal with armed intruder in their schools.

As frightening as those possibilities are, chances are much greater that children will be endangered by severe weather, such as hurricanes on the coasts and, in the Heartland, tornadoes like the one that struck Moore, Oklahoma, this week.

The devastation has created calls for better tornado preparedness, included requiring tornado shelters in new construction and housing developments -- shelters definitely made a difference in Oklahoma.

According to the Local Emergency Operations Plan, McCook's officially designated tornado shelters include St. Patricks Catholic Church, McCook Senior High, McCook Junior High, McCook Elementary, First Baptist Church, the United Methodist Church and the YMCA.

Others include the community buildings in Indianola and Danbury, as well as the First Presbyterian Church in Danbury.

No matter how long we live in Nebraska and Kansas, it's always good to review tornado safety rules, like the ones below issued by the National Weather Service:

A tornado watch means that tornado development is possible. Keep a watchful eye on the sky for threatening weather and stay tuned to radio and television and listen for weather bulletins.

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. Persons in the path of the storm should seek shelter immediately, preferably in a storm cellar, underground excavation, or in a steel-framed or concrete reinforced building.

In homes, the basement offers the greatest safety. Seek shelter under sturdy furniture, if possible. In homes without basements , take cover in the center part of the house, on the lowest floor, in a small room such as a closet or bathroom, or under sturdy furniture. Stay away from windows.

In schools, hospitals, and shopping centers, move to pre-designated shelter areas. Interior hallways on lowest floors are best. If the building is not of reinforced construction, go to a nearby one that is, or take cover outside on low, protected ground. Stay out of auditoriums, gymnasiums, and other structures with wide free-span roofs.

In open country, move away from the tornado/s path at right angles. If there is not time to escape, lie flat in the nearest ditch or ravine.

In your car, do not try to outrun a tornado. If available, take shelter in a sturdy structure. Otherwise, get in the nearest ditch or depression until the tornado passes.

Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to overturning during strong winds and should be evacuated when strong winds or tornadoes are forecast. Damage can be minimized by securing trailers with cables anchored in concrete footings. Trailer parks should have community storm shelters. If there is no shelter nearby, leave the trailer park and take cover on low-protected ground.

Scan for Red Cross tornado safety apps.

The American Red Cross has issued new tornado safety smartphone apps. You can download them by scanning this QR code or visiting http://rdcrss.org/10ndh75

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