707
NOUS44 KSHV 092001
PNSSHV
ARZ050-051-059>061-070>073-LAZ001>006-010>014-017>022-OKZ077-
TXZ096-097-108>112-124>126-136>138-149>153-165>167-100815-

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SHREVEPORT LA
301 PM CDT Wed Oct 9 2024

Fall Severe Weather Awareness Week

With the peak of the 2024 fall severe weather season fast approaching,
the National Weather Service has designated the week of October
7th through October 12th as Fall Severe Weather Awareness Week.
This is a safety campaign designed to help residents in the states
of Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma prepare for the fall
storm During this week, the National Weather Service will review
the most important aspects of severe weather, and highlight safety
rules. A special public information statement will be issued each
day, along with various social media posts.

Todays topic is.Tornadoes.

Tornadoes are one of natures most violent storms. In an average year,
about 1000 tornadoes are reported across the United States,
resulting in 85 deaths and over 1500 injuries. A tornado is a
violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to
the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous
destruction, with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can
exceed a mile in width and 50 miles in length.

Tornadoes can occur anywhere in our Four State Region, and at any
time of the year. While the summers are typically less active,
the frequency of tornadoes begins increasing during the fall and
winter and peaks in the spring during the months of March through
June, with nearly 70 percent of all tornadoes occurring during
this time period. April is the single most active tornado
producing month in our region.

Tornadoes can travel at over 50 mph, and can destroy a building in
a few seconds. Therefore, it is important to know the safety
rules for surviving a tornado. When inside homes and small
buildings, you should go to the basement or the lowest level of
the building. If no basement is available, go to a closet,
bathroom or an interior hallway away from any windows. Protect
yourself from flying debris with thick blankets, pillows,
cushions, sleeping bags or mattresses.

When at schools, hospitals, factories or shopping malls, go to the
designated shelter areas, usually an interior hallway on the
lowest floor level. Always stay away from windows. Kneel on the
floor against the wall and place hands over your head to provide
some protection for your head.

When in mobile homes or portable buildings, leave these structures
and go inside a strong building for shelter. If there is no
shelter nearby, get into the nearest ditch or depression. Lie flat
with your hands shielding your head.

When in a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive away from
the tornado or to the closest sturdy shelter. If there is no
shelter nearby, you have the following options, stay in the car
with your seat belt on, putting your head below windows, and
covering your head with your hands or blankets if possible, or
exit the car and get into a ditch or low-lying area.

Planning ahead and knowing the safety rules is essential in being
prepared when a tornado strikes.

$$

05