Red Cross summer student, Chelsea, in a tornado simulator.
Red Cross summer student, Danielle, in a tornado simulator.
I have family in Oklahoma which means that I have been keeping a close eye on all the recent tornado activity. I also know that we are in tornado season here on the prairies. Being a good little Red Crosser, I am all over the tip sheets and spreading the word on being prepared and staying safe for tornadoes.
So when our summer students Chelsea Seibel and Danielle Myrah started I thought ‘Great! New people to teach about disaster safety!’ It just so happens that there is a tornado wind simulator near the office so putting them in there was a definite must!
Here is what they learned:
- They both were surprised by the strength of the wind in the tunnel.
- Danielle lives in a high rise and now she knows that if a tornado is in her area she needs to get in the hallway (centre of the building). She wants people to know that if they do a little planning ahead of time and learn how to be safe they won’t have to panic during a tornado.
- Chelsea learned the difference between a Tornado Watch (conditions favourable for a tornado. Stay alert!) and a Tornado Warning (a tornado has been spotted. Take Cover!). She wanted people to know that it still isn’t safe after the tornado passes. You need to be alert to downed power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
Here are some tips to help you be prepared for a tornado and to know what to do if there is ever one in your area.