A frantic voice on the phone said “Are you watching the weather network?“. It was about 2.30 pm today and Caron (my wife) was calling from work to let me know that there was a tornado watch issued for our area. It took a second or 2 to really register what she was saying, then it hit me. Only last year a tornado ripped through Hamilton and caused some considerable damage to homes and a primary school. It seems with the last few hot and humid summers we’ve been experiencing, we’re seeing more and more tornado watch/warnings being issued by environment Canada.

This is all new to me, after all I come form the Caribbean where we had to deal with hurricanes that you knew days before was coming. Basically you had time to try and prepare. But these tornados comes and goes in a flash it seems.

Here’s some info I found that may be helpful…
What should I do during a tornado watch?
* Listen to NOAA radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.
* Be alert for approaching storms. If you see any revolving funnel-shaped clouds, report them immediately by telephone to your local police department or sheriff’s office.
* Be ready to take shelter.

What should I do during a tornado?

* When a tornado has been sighted, go to your shelter immediately. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.

* In a house or small building, go to the basement or storm cellar. If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lower level (closets, interior hallways). Get under a sturdy table, hold on and protect your head. Stay there until the danger has passed.
* In a school, nursing home, hospital, factory or shopping center, go to predesignated shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually safest. Stay away from windows and open spaces.
* In a high-rise building, go to a small, interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
* In a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately and go to a more substantial structure.
* If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine or culvert with your hands shielding your head.
* In a car, get out and take shelter in a nearby building. Do not attempt to out-drive a tornado. They are erratic and move swiftly.

What should I do after a tornado?

* Look out for broken glass and downed power lines.
* Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury.

BTW… according to the evening news the “watch” turned out be be exactly that. W were luck that no tornados touched down or formed. On humid days I’ll be sure to keep checking the weather networks from now on.

Enjoy the rest of the week

Chris…