Tornadoes can be Mother Nature’s most violent storms. Canada gets 62 verified tornadoes per year with Saskatchewan having the highest ‘touch downs’ per province.

Tornado season is usually from April to September with peak months in June and July. Winds within a tornado can reach speeds of up to 500 km/h. Regardless of size, tornadoes have the ability to uproot trees, flip cars and damage homes.

Be prepared:

Before

  • Listen to local news and weather reports for information on changing weather conditions.
  • Find a place where family members can gather if there is a tornado warning. Keep this spot clutter free.
  • Identify a place in a hallway in the centre of the building if you are in a high-rise building.
  • Watch for:
    • Severe thunderstorms, or large, dark, low-lying, rotating or funnel-shaped clouds.
    • An extremely dark sky, sometimes highlighted by green or yellowish/orange clouds.
    • A rumbling/roaring noise (like a freight train), or a whistling sound caused by flying debris.
    • A funnel cloud at the rear base of a thundercloud, often behind a curtain of heavy rain or hail.

During

  • Listen to local news and weather reports for information on changing weather conditions.
  • Move your family to a safe location, such as a basement or lower level of the building. If you have no basement, protect yourself by taking shelter under a heavy table or desk.
  • Get as close to the ground as possible – lay flat in a ditch or a low-lying area if you are outside and there is no shelter nearby, protect your head and watch for flying debris.
  • Get out immediately and head for safety if you are in a car or mobile home. It is unsafe to stay in your vehicle as it could be picked up, blown over or roll over you.
  • Do not chase tornadoes – they are unpredictable and can change course abruptly.
  • A tornado is deceptive. It may appear to be standing still but may in fact be moving toward you.
  • Do not use the elevator.
  • Large buildings with wide-span roofs may collapse if a tornado hits.

In all cases, stay away from windows, outside walls and doors.

After

  • Stay away from damaged areas and fallen power lines.
  • Listen to the radio for further information and/or contact the Band Office for instructions.
  • Inspect your home for damage once your home has been declared safe to re-enter.

For more information, please contact:

Brenda Seesequasis, Emergency Response Manager
306-467-4523  | brendaseesequasis@beardysband.com