Danger is not over when the tornado moves away. A study of injuries related to a tornado in Marion, Illinois, revealed that half of the injuries reported happened after the tornado itself, during the rescue and cleaning labors. A third of the injuries reported where of people who stood on nails. Other common injuries were caused by falling objects. Tornadoes can damage power cables, gas and water pipelines and create the ideal conditions for electrocution, an explosion or fire. It is important to ensure there are no more injured once the tornado has moved away.
Injuries
Look out for injured people. If someone is seriously injured don’t try to move them unless they are in danger. Seek medical attention immediately. If someone is in respiratory arrest, begin CPR if you are trained to do so. Apply direct pressure to the wound to stop bleeding. If you are trapped, try to attract someone’s attention.
General precautions:
• Listen to emergency information in your battery radio.
• Be careful when entering a damaged structure.
• Use thick shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves if you need to walk amongst rubble.
• Be especially careful with nails and broken glass.
• Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with the lines or objects in contact with these cables. Call authorities as soon as possible to inform the location of the lines.
• Keep phone lines open unless an emergency needs to be reported. Verify that all the telephones are in place (strong winds may have unhooked them).
• Cooperate with authorities.
If the police, the fire department or emergency services are requesting volunteers, try to participate, but not in affected areas unless the authorities have requested your help in that particular area. Stay away from affected areas. Your presence may hinder rescue operations and you may put yourself in harm’s way.
How to assess damage:
• It is important to verify structural damage in the house after a tornado. Authorities may help you find a professional company to help you determine if your home suffered structural damage.
• The general rule is that of you believe there is any kind of structural damage, it is best to disconnect power and gas supplies to avoid a fire or explosion.
• If you lost power and are unable to see, use a battery flashlight and not a candle or lighter until you are sure there are no gas leaks.
• If you see bare wires or sparks, or perceive a burning odor, shut power off immediately.
• If you believe there is a gas leak, shut off the main valve, open the windows and abandon the house immediately. Call the gas company, the police or fire department, but don’t smoke or turn on the lights or use matches. Don’t return home until after authorities inform there is no danger.
During cleaning chores
• Wear thick shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves.
• Use any mechanical tool cautiously.
• Clean medication, flammable liquids, and any other spilt material as soon as possible.
Taking care of the children
Fear is a natural reaction to emergency situations. A child might have fear of another tornado, or be afraid of injuries or even death. Sometimes they are afraid of being separated from their family or left alone. Children may even think that catastrophes are a punishment for their bad behavior. Children will probably experience less fear or anxiety if parents explain the phenomenon prior to the earthquake and know what to expect.
Suggestions:
• Explain that a tornado is a natural phenomenon and not a consequence of someone’s acts.
• Talk to children about your own experience with any kind of natural phenomenon, or read books about earthquakes aloud.
• Encourage them to express their fears. Listen closely and show understanding.
• Children may need to hear that everything is going to be fine. Explain that the situation is not permanent.
• Involve the children in cleaning chores. It is good to distract them and make them feel that they are contributing in returning everything to normal.
NOTE: Sometimes anxiety symptoms are not manifested until after several weeks or even several months after an earthquake, and they may affect people of all ages. If anxiety is interfering with normal performance of any of your family members, seek professional help through a school counselor, religious organization, your doctor or an authorized professional.
