What to Do After a Tornado Strikes

• Continue listening to local radio or television stations. Access may be limited to some parts of the community, or roads may be blocked.
• Help a neighbor who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
• Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid
  where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured
  unless they are in immediate danger of further
  injury. Call for help.
• Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas
  lines and report them to the utility company
  immediately.
• Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might hamper
  rescue and other emergency operations, and put
  you at further risk from the residual effects of
  tornadoes.
• Stay out of damaged buildings. If you are away
  from home, return only when authorities say it is safe.
• Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings. Do not use candles at any time.
• Examine walls, floors, doors, staircases, and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.
• Look for fire hazards. There may be broken or leaking gas lines, or damage to electrical systems. Fire is the most frequent hazard following other disasters.
• Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
• Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricty at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
• Take pictures of the damage, both of the building
  and its contents, for insurance claims.
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

For more information on Tornadoes visit the Red Cross Website at www.redcross.org, or call your local red cross.