Tornado Safety Rules

The Lisle-Woodridge Fire District wants to remind its residents that we are currently in the season of severe weather. This is the time of the year when tornadoes are common and when one approaches, immediate action can save you life.

There are terms to remember about tornadoes –

A TORNADO WATCH means that weather conditions are right for the formation of tornadoes. You should listen to local radio and television stations for weather up-dates. The Weather Channel on cable television will keep you posted to local weather developments. During this time, a battery operated radio or television should be kept nearby if possible to listen to weather advisories even if the sky is blue and does not look ominous. 

A TORNADO WARNING means that a tornado has been spotted. You should pay attention to where it was seen, its direction of travel and the length of time for which the warning has been issued. Within the boundaries of the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District there are outdoor warning sirens that will sound for 3 minutes at a steady tone if the path of the tornado covers the area. Again, the local radio stations will provide warning information. If a TORNADO WARNING has been issued, seek shelter. If possible, take a flashlight and a battery operated radio or television with you to listen for updates on the storm’s activities. If, during a TORNADO WARNING or during a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM, you hear the outdoor warning sirens, TAKE COVER AT ONCE. DO NOT CALL THE FIRE DISTRICT OR POLICE DEPARTMENT to inquire what they mean. These emergency services will be busy with emergency calls and your non-emergency call will tie up telephone lines.

Prepare in advance and follow your plan –

In Homes – The basement offers the greatest safety. Seek shelter under sturdy furniture, if possible. In homes without basements, take cover in the center part of the house on the lowest floor in a small room such as a closet or bathroom or under sturdy furniture. ALWAYS stay away from outside walls and windows. If the windows are open, leave them alone. The National Weather Service has changed its directive regarding open windows. They now report the public should not waste time trying to open windows as it does NOT prevent building damage. Instead, take cover immediately if you are in the path of a tornado. 

In Office Buildings – Go to the designated shelter area of the building. If there is no designated shelter, go to an interior hallway on the lowest floor. Lie low with hands covering the back of your head to reduce neck injury.

In Schools – Follow advance plans to the designated shelter area. Stay out of auditoriums, gymnasiums and other areas with wide, free-span roofs. Lie low with hands covering the back of your head.

In Shopping Centers – Follow advance plans to the designated shelter area. If there isn’t one, go to the center of the building on the lowest level. Stay away from large open rooms and windows. Lie low with hands covering the back of your head.

In Open Country – Move away from the tornado’s path at right angles. If there is not time to escape, lie flat in the nearest ditch or ravine and cover the back of your head and neck. Stay out from under large trees, branches and high power electric lines. Keep alert for flash floods that often accompany such storms.

In Mobile Homes – These are particularly vulnerable to over turning during strong winds and should be evacuated when strong winds are forecast. Securing trailers with cable anchored in concrete footings can minimize damage. Trailer parks should have community storm shelters and a warden to monitor broadcasts throughout the severe storm emergency. If there is no shelter nearby, leave the trailer park and take cover on low, protected ground.

Camping – Follow the rules listed above for “Open Country” and “Mobile Homes”. Many campgrounds have designated shelter areas. You should make yourself aware of their locations PRIOR to severe storms.

Outdoor warning sirens are tested the first Tuesday of each month at 10 AM in Lisle, Naperville and Woodridge and at 10:30 AM in Glen Ellyn.

If you have any questions regarding this topic, please feel free to call Public Education Officer Lt. Jay Caron of the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Prevention Bureau at 630-353-3059.