Emergency Management Agency

Click here to download the 2024 Emergency Preparedness Calendar

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. They are nature’s most violent storm and are responsible for Georgia’s number one weather-related deaths. Tornadoes cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt transportation, power, water, gas, communications, and other services in its direct path and surrounding area. A tornado can:

  • Happen anytime and anywhere
  • Bring intense winds, over 200 miles per hour
  • Look like funnels

If you are under a tornado or severe weather warning, be prepared to act quickly. Planning and constant practice can be key to survival, since tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, without warning. Follow these steps to know what do to in order to prepare for and act during a tornado:

Preparing for a tornado Staying safe during a tornado
  • Know your area’s risk. The Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes
  • Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar like a freight train
  • Sign up for your community’s local alert system to keep up to date with weather threats currently in the area
  • Identify and practice going to a safe shelter that will protect you from extreme winds
  • Plan for long-term stay at home or a shelter depending on the need to evacuate. Make sure to include your pets in your plan; they’re family too
  • Immediately go to a safe location that you have identified
  • Pay attention to your NOAA Weather Radio and local alert system for current emergency information and instructions
  • Sign up for MBCALERT, Macon-Bibb County’s local alert system by visiting maconbibb.us/ema/
  • Protect yourself by covering your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around or on top of you
  • Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible

After a tornado has cleared the area and officials have declared it safe to return home or end shelter in place, make sure to be vigilant during the cleanup process. If your home was damaged during the storm, wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves to reduce injury. Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not use gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, basement, or garage. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled; if you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away.

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