Spring & Tornados

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that severe weather is a possibility. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means that severe weather is in the immediate area. A Tornado Watch means that conditions are present which could produce a tornado. A Tornado Warning means that a tornado or a funnel cloud has been sighted and that you should be ready to take shelter. Tornados are accompanied by hail, thunderstorms and wind.

During potentially severe weather keep tuned to a radio station that gives frequent weather updates for your area. If a tornado threatens Lincolnshire, you will hear the emergency warning sirens. Don’t call 911! Take shelter immediately.

If a tornado has been sighted, take cover in the safest place possible. If you have a basement, go there and avoid windows and chimneys. Hide under a stairwell or heavy furniture. Cover your head. If you live in a split-level home, go to the lowest level.If you don’t have a basement, go to the central portion of the building, to an interior closet or hallway, away from windows. You should have a flashlight and battery-operated radio with you as well as your keys.

If lightning strikes try to get inside a home, building or vehicle, or go to a low place such as a ravine or ditch. Avoid using the telephone, if possible. Do not stand in small sheds or other small structures in open areas. Avoid tall, isolated trees in open areas. Don’t stand so that you project above the surrounding landscape. Stay away from open water, and avoid golf carts and clubs, motorcycles, bicycles, wire fences, metal pipes, rails or other metallic items which could carry lightning to you from some distance away.