Tornado sirens may sound in your community today as part of tornado safety week

Although tornadoes often happen in the springtime, they are a year-round threat in Missouri. And can happen anywhere in the state. An EF-3 tornado, approximately a quarter of a mile wide, touched down on New Year’s Eve at Fort Leonard Wood about 12 years ago. According to ready.gov, tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars and create deadly flying debris, with intense winds at more than 200 miles per hour. Fort Leonard Wood has tornado sirens in place to alert citizens to observe conditions. The mass notification system is tested monthly on the installation.
In the event of a tornado warning, people should enable their tornado response plan. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, preferably windowless. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Awareness for everyone and their families is the first step in preparedness. Talk to family members and co-workers, discuss where the safe place is, and actions to take. After the storm passes be advised damage will be extensive and many hazards will be present — debris will litter the ground where structures once stood, and there may be downed power lines and natural gas leaks, among other hazards. Many communities will be testing their tornado warning sirens Wednesday in observance of Tornado Safety Week.