Chesapeake In The Know

Tornadoes can and do happen in Chesapeake. Unlike hurricanes, we don’t get a week’s notice before its arrival so the time to make a plan is right now.

Identify safe rooms at home, school, and work. A safe room should be on the lowest floor of the building and have no windows. A closet or an interior hallway are both good options.

Know the lingo. A “Tornado Watch” means conditions are favorable so you need to be aware that a tornado is possible. A “Tornado Warning” means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar and you should take shelter immediately.

If you are outside during a tornado and cannot get to a sturdy shelter, get into a vehicle and buckle your seatbelt. Put your head down and cover your head with your hands. If there is no car or shelter, find a ditch or area lower than the ground and lie down, covering your head with your hands. You are safer in a low, flat location than under a bridge or overpass.

Go over these plans with your children, family, and friends and encourage them to do the same. You can learn more about emergency preparation at Ready.gov.