Tornado Safety

Tornadoes are the most violent storms produced by nature. Florida ranks third in the nation behind Texas and Oklahoma in the number of tornadoes occurring annually. Warning time for Florida tornadoes is usually very short or there may be no warning at all because most Florida tornadoes are short-lived. Many remain aloft as funnel clouds and touch ground only for brief periods of time and may be masked by heavy rains. Often, tornadoes will move onshore or offshore quickly after forming.

The most likely time of year for tornadoes to occur in Florida is May, June, July and August. They are also common during tropical storms and hurricanes. Tornadoes have occurred in every month of the year, but the spring tornadoes are usually the most intense.

Tornado Watch – Weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form.

Tornado Warning – A tornado has been spotted visually or on radar. Take cover in a safe area.

Weather radios have been provided for each College site. Tornado Watches and Warnings will be broadcast over the radios by the National Weather Service. The following are recommended procedures to follow during Tornado Watches or Tornado Warnings.

Tornado Watch A general alert should be issued on site when a Tornado Watch has been issued. Prepare to relocate persons who may be in relocatable buildings (portables) or trailers.

Tornado WARNING Move all persons from relocatable buildings (portables) or trailers to interior corridors or rooms in permanent buildings.

Move all persons away from exterior walls and windows.

Relocate people on upper levels to lower levels of multistory buildings.

Do not use large areas that have free span roofs for shelter areas, i.e. gymnasiums.

Instruct persons to seek cover away from doors and windows and to place themselves next to an interior wall in a protective position covering their heads and faces with their hands and arms.