TORNADO

Risk Management Bulletin Vol. 1 No. 27

Tornado Safety In Schools

Tornado

The tornado is sometimes called a "Twister" or a "Cyclone". You can recognize a tornado by the funnel-shaped cloud that stretches down from the base of a dark threatening thunderstorm. The funnel-shaped cloud has very strong winds that spiral upward. Heavy rain and large hail usually occur just before a tornado is seen.

Remember: Gymnasiums are the worst area of the school yet principals often chose this area because everyone can be in one place.

In preparation for severe weather emergencies, develop a severe weather action plan and have frequent tornado drills. Teach your students what actions to take if severe weather conditions occur before, during or after school hours.

Identify safe areas in schools for shelter. If the school has a basement use it as the evacuation area. Schools without basements should use interior rooms and hallways on the ground floor and away from windows.

Post maps and/or diagrams to identify evacuation routes to shelter areas from every part of the school.

Those responsible for activating the plan should monitor weather information from Environment Canada’s Weatheradio and local radio/television.

Assign a teacher to round up children from playgrounds or other outdoor areas.

Move students quickly into interior rooms or central hallways on the ground floor, students should protect their heads and crouch or kneel against the wall. Avoid gymnasiums, auditoriums or other large rooms.

Make sure someone knows how to turn off electricity and gas in the event the school is damaged.

Keep children at school beyond regular hours if threatening weather is expected. Children are safer at school than in a bus or car. Don't send students home early if severe weather is approaching.

Risk Management Bulletins

Home | What's New | Contacts