A Message from our Emergency Coordinator Barb Gillis:
There has already been one tornado this spring confirmed in Manitoba so as we move into the main part of the season it is a good time to ensure that you and your family know what to do during bad weather.
Warning signs of a potential tornado include:
- Severe thunderstorms
- An extremely dark sky, sometimes highlighted by green or yellow clouds
- A rumbling sound or a whistling sound.
- A funnel cloud at the rear base of a thundercloud, often behind a curtain of heavy rain or hail.
Environment Canada is responsible for warning the public when conditions exist that may produce tornadoes. It does this through radio, television, newspapers, and Alert Ready. You should listen to your radio during severe thunderstorms.
During a tornado:
If you are in a house – Go to the basement or take shelter in a small interior ground floor room such as a bathroom, closet or hallway. In all cases, stay away from windows, outside walls and doors.
If you are in an office or apartment building
Take shelter in an inner hallway or room, ideally in the basement or on the ground floor.
Do not use the elevator.
Stay away from windows.
If you live on a farm
Livestock hear and sense impending tornadoes. If your family or home is at risk, the livestock will be a non-issue. If your personal safety is not an issue, you may only have time to open routes of escape for your livestock. Open the gate, if you must, and then exit the area in a tangent direction away from the expected path of the twister.
Avoid cars and mobile homes
If you are driving -If you spot a tornado in the distance go to the nearest solid shelter.
If the tornado is close, get out of your car and take cover in a low-lying area, such as a ditch.
