ENVIRONMENT

Tornadoes left at least 17 people dead across much of the U.S. the past week. The devastation is a reminder that forecasting still needs to get better, says a leading government scientist. (National Geographic News)

Learn more about preparing for tornadoes and other natural hazards.

Click to enlarge and print this handy emergency-kit checklist, from the good folks at FEMA.

Discussion Ideas

• Read through our activity “Preparing for Extreme Natural Events.” Work through the questions related to tornadoes and tornado forecasting. Have you or your family ever experienced a tornado? What was it like? How did you prepare yourself?

• How can you best be prepared for a tornado before it strikes? Take a look at this FEMA website, linked to from our “Preparing for Extreme Natural Events” activity.
  • Build an emergency kit: Print out the list above!
    • non-perishable food—peanut butter, canned tuna, canned fruits, pancake mix, Spam, granola bars
    • first-aid kit
    • batteries
    • toothbrush and toothpaste
    • water: at least a gallon per person, per day
    • battery-powered radio
    • flashlight
    • local maps
  • Make a family communication plan:
    • choose one person for all members of the family or community to contact to say they’re OK
    • choose a meeting spot, and practice getting there
    • keep your contact information and meeting spot in your backpack, wallet, or with your school supplies
  • Know the danger signs:
    • during tornado season, listen to your local weather forecaster, and know the lingo
    • dark, greenish-grey sky
    • large, low-lying thundercloud
    • loud roar
    • large hailstones

• Part of being prepared is listening to your local weather forecaster and understanding what they’re talking about. Read through the Nat Geo News interview with top-notch meteorologist Louis Wicker. What is the difference between a “tornado watch” and a “tornado warning”? What is the average time in which meteorologists can predict a tornado? How will better or earlier tornado prediction help people prepare?
  • A tornado watch means forecasters are watching the situation. Atmospheric conditions favorable to tornado generation are present in a certain area.
  • A tornado warning is more serious. It means that evidence of a tornado has actually been spotted.
  • Meteorologists can predict tornadoes about 12-15 minutes in advance.
  • Earlier warning could help people contact their family or community, grab their emergency kit, and get to a safe storm shelter. Earlier warnings could also allow more people to help at-risk members of their community prepare for tornadoes. Such at-risk groups include schoolchildren, the homeless, and those in the hospital.