Be Prepared for a Tornado
Tornadoes can occur at any time. Most often they occur in the late afternoon, in late-spring or early-summer. They are most frequent during moderate summer temperatures, accompanied by high relative humidity.
A tornado watch is issued if conditions exist for tornadoes to develop. No tornado has been sighted.
A tornado warning is issued if one has been sighted or if radar detects a tornado-like disturbance.
In case of tornado warning
- If you are in the open, seek shelter in a sturdy building. If none is available, be prepared to lie flat in a depression or ditch and hang onto something on the ground like a culvert, large rock or shrub.
- If you are in a vehicle, get away from it and seek the shelter described above. You are safer in the ditch than in your car.
- If you are in a public facility, go to an interior hallway on the lowest level. Avoid large rooms and stay away from windows. Determine who is in charge of the facility and follow their instructions. Your calm, orderly behaviour will set an example for others and help avert panic.
- If you are in a home, head for the basement. Seek shelter under a staircase or sturdy furniture. If you have no basement, go to a bathroom or closet on the lowest floor or seek shelter under sturdy furniture.
- If you are in a mobile home, find a more substantial shelter immediately.
What you should do
- Turn on the radio and find a local station at: AM560, AM920, FM91.3, FM92.3, FM93.7, FM94.5, FM95.5, FM97.9, FM99.3, FM101.7 or FM106.5.
- Assemble all people and pets at the agreed-upon meeting place in the home.
- When a tornado watch is issued, store or secure light items outside, such as garbage cans, bikes, boats, barbecues, etc.
- When a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter, taking the radio and batteries with you. Do not leave this shelter until the ‘all clear’ has been given.