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Tornado Response Plan Mataga Cadillac Buick GMC The threat of a tornado is real. Every year many tornadoes ravage the countryside and communities of the state. While avoiding property damage during a tornado is certainly difficult, there are several steps that can be taken to enhance personal safety. Some general guidelines for personal safety include: 1. Seek Shelter: Try to get inside. If you cannot get inside, crouch for protection beside a strong structure or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head and neck with your arms or a piece of clothing. Beware of water runoff. If inside, a good place to be during a tornado is in the basement of a building. If a basement is not available, try to move to a protected interior room on the lowest floor of the building, as far as possible from exterior walls and windows. Try to avoid large-span roof areas. Service shops may be an example. Try to use a piece of clothing or your arms to shield your head and neck. 2. Driving: A tornado can literally pick a car or truck up off the ground and throw it several hundred feet. If an individual in a vehicle finds himself immediately threatened by a tornado, he should normally stop, exit the vehicle and seek shelter immediately in a nearby building. In some instances, the best option may be to get out of the car and lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. This can offer some protection against flying debris and reduce the chance of being carried away by the tornado. Shield your head and neck and beware of water runoff. 3. Accountability: Tornadoes come and go in a matter of minutes, or even seconds. They typically displace not only objects, but people too. As soon as danger passes, it is important to account for everyone at the facility. It is easiest to account for everyone by assembling at the evacuation assembly area (see Part 3 of this plan). Once at the assembly area, don’t leave until told to do so by your supervisor or other responsible facility manager. 4. Hazardous Materials: There is little that can be done to prevent the spilling or other release of these materials if a tornado hits the facility. However, as soon as the storm passes, every effort should be made to contain any release. Proper authorities may also have to be notified. Additional details on spill response activities are included in Section 1 of this action plan. 5. Beware of Hazards: Some steps to take following a tornado include: x Stay away from downed power lines. Report them immediately to the utility company. x Stay away from damaged buildings until cleared by a qualified inspector. x Evacuate if gas or other dangerous fumes are detected. Notify appropriate authorities. x Avoid the use of candles (in many instances more people die from candle-related fires after a disaster than from the disaster itself. Emergency Response Action Plan – Mataga Cadillac Buick GMC ©KPA, LLC 1110 vALL Page 10