TORNADO GUIDELINE – Click here for a PDF Version

HARMONY RANCH DOES NOT HAVE TORNADO SHELTERS

The #1 risk of a tornado is not seeking adequate shelter. This is more often caused by ignoring warnings and minimizing the risk than having no knowledge that a severe storm exists.

The worst place to be in a tornado is a trailer. The best place is an underground steel reinforced concrete bunker. We have many of the former and none of the latter. And we don’t have the budget or historical threat level to create such bunkers. But, here are the others as listed in order by The Weather Network.
TORNADOES ARE FAST AND RANDOM. Our two most accessible safe locations are the shower stalls of the North and South Service buildings. Everyone should remember that these structures are not located in immediate access to most trailers, so when deciding to relocate you should consider your mobility.

BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. Leaving your trailer may be an inconvenience, but much better than the alternative. Based on the average level of mobility and proximity to a safer place, we recommend people not wait until a WATCH turns into a WARNING or SIGHTING.

A TORNADO WATCH means that conditions are such that tornadoes may develop in the area. This should be a period of heightened awareness. Monitor local weather reports. It does not mean tornadoes are imminent, just that you need to be alert, and to be prepared to go to safe shelter if tornadoes do happen or a warning is issued. This is the time to turn on local TV or radio, turn on and set the alarm switch on your weather radio, make sure you have ready access to safe shelter, and make your friends and family aware of the potential for tornadoes in the area.

Pay attention to weather clues around you that may warn of imminent danger:
Dark, often greenish sky: Sometimes one or more of the clouds turns greenish, indicating a tornado may develop.

Wall cloud: – An isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm. The wall cloud is particularly ominous if it is rotating.

Large hail: Tornadoes are spawned from powerful thunderstorms which often produce large hail. Tornadoes are frequently associated with hail.

Cloud of debris: An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible.

Funnel cloud: A visible rotating extension of the cloud base is a forming tornado.

Roaring noise: The high winds of a tornado can cause a roar that is often compared with the sound of a freight train. It is the responsibility of every person to alert family and neighbours to any severe weather warning, and to seek adequate shelter.

Tornado guidelines are as follows:
We have an alert procedure in effect and it should be used. 3 blasts on your horn, stop, repeat and continue to warn ranchers and guests

The best place to go if you are concerned about your safety is in the shower areas of the front and back buildings. These areas are built with cement blocks and would give you the best protection.

We do not need to have any other form of horn or blast warning. You should leave your trailer as it is the most dangerous place to be.

Do not call 911. This is not their responsibility.

Applications can be downloaded from The Weather Network and other Site to Mobile phones and devices to warn of adverse weather conditions. It is your responsibility to get to a safe place.