Being prepared is key to surviving tornadoes

Severe weather season in the Miami Valley can deliver a multitude of threats.

From flooding to hail to damaging winds, Southwest Ohio is in a prime location for active spring and summer months.

Severe thunderstorms are common for this area, but sometimes they have the capabilities of producing tornadoes.

In May 2014 an EF-3 tornado tore through farm fields in Cedarville, destroying two neighboring homes. According to the National Weather Service, winds peaked around 145 mph. Although extreme, this is not the strongest or largest tornado experienced in the Miami Valley.

Xenia residents know all too well the horror of violent twisters. On April 3, 1974, a deadly and devastating EF-5 tornado ripped through the city, killing more than 30 people and injuring more than a thousand.

Neighborhoods were left in rubble as this massive tornado flattened everything in its path.

Tornadoes are categorized on a scale of EF-0 to EF-5, with EF-5 being the most extreme.

Winds within an EF-5 tornado could reach maximum speeds of 200 mph or greater. Anything in the path of these twisters would be completely destroyed.

The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale was created based on estimated wind speeds and related damage. Tornado damage is usually surveyed within 12 to 24 hours after the twister has passed and the “all-clear” has been given. Based on the degree of damage and specific damage indicators, an estimated strength of the tornado can be determined.

That’s where the EF-Scale comes into play.

During an active tornado situation there are a few things you need to know to be prepared and stay safe:

• If a tornado warning has been issued, go to an underground shelter, basement or safe room.
• If no safe room is available, go to the lowest interior, hallway or windowless room you can find within a sturdy building. Cover your head with a mattress, helmet or anything you can find for protection.
• Mobile homes are not safe! As stated above, find a sturdy building to seek shelter.
• Being in a car is not the safest, but if you have two options if you find yourself in this situation.
• Stay buckled up. Put your head down below the windows. Cover your head with your hands or blanket if possible.
• If a deep ditch is close enough to your vehicle that you can exit safely, move to that area and lie down with your hands covering your head.

Lastly, knowing the difference between a tornado watch and warning is important.

Tornado Watch: Watches are issued to give residents a heads-up. This means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form in or near the "watch" area.

Tornado Warning: This is a time to take action and find cover. Warnings are issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar.

You can get tornado watches and warnings sent directly to your phone. Download the FREE WHIO Weather app. This is a handy and helpful tool to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Advance notice is key when implementing your safety plan.