Eighty tornadoes occured in Arkansas last year. Tornados caused 21 deaths and over 200 injuries in 2008. The strongest tornado reported was an EF4 which managed to stay on the ground for over two hours. It broke the record for longest tornado path. Tornadoes are not only a threat in the spring and summer, but also in the fall. In recent yare tornadoes were reported during the early fall months of August and September.
When tornadoes occur, folks often say "The tornado sirens didn't wake me up." The fact is that they are designed to ba an aoutdoor alert only. Sometimes you can hear them inside a building, but that was not their purpose.
That is why every household should own a NOAA weather all hazards radio. The radio can be programmed for specific alerts and for your city or county. It emits an annoying/loud tone that is sure to wake you in the event of a severe weather emergency. They cost about 30 dollars and can be purchased from electronic stores or found on-line. The program code for White County is 145.
Here are some tips to remember when a tornado warning is issued or the sirens sound.
- Never seek shelter under an over pass.
- If in your car, lay flat in a ditch and cover your head
- Always seek shelter in a sturdy building with an inner room absent of windows.
- Never seek shelter in mobile homes!
You can find more information on tornadoes or how to program a weather radio by visiting http://www.weather.gov/
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