Tornadoes and Thunderstorms Toolkit

WISCONSIN CLIMATE AND HEALTH PROGRAM

Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health

dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate | dhsclimate@wi.gov

State of Wisconsin | Department of Health Services | Division of Public Health | P-01037 (Rev. 05/2019)

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS

AND TORNADOES

TOOLKIT

A planning guide for public health and

emergency response professionals

CONTENTS

Introduction

Definitions

Guides

Tornado Categories

Recognizing Tornadoes

Planning for Severe Storms

Staying Safe in a Tornado

Staying Safe in a Thunderstorm

Lightning Safety

Aer a Severe Storm or Tornado

Straight-Line Winds Safety

Talking Points

Message Maps

Appendices

Appendix A: References

Appendix B: Addional Resources

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Wisconsin Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Toolkit was made possible through funding from cooperave

agreement 5UE1/EH001043-02 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevenon (CDC) and the commitment of

many individuals at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Bureau of Environmental and Occupaonal

Health (BEOH), who contributed their valuable me and knowledge to its development.

Special thanks to:

Jerey Phillips, RS, Director of the Bureau of Environmental and Occupaonal Health, DHS

Megan Christenson, MS,MPH, Epidemiologist, DHS

Stephanie Krueger, Public Health Associate, CDC/ DHS

Margaret Thelen, BRACE LTE

Angelina Hansen, BRACE LTE

For more information, please contact:

Colleen Moran, MS, MPH

Climate and Health Program Manager

Bureau of Environmental and Occupaonal Health

1 W. Wilson St., Room 150

Madison, WI 53703

Colleen.Moran@dhs.wisconsin.gov

608-266-6761

Purpose

The purpose of the Wisconsin Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Toolkit is to provide informaon to local

governments, health departments, and cizens in Wisconsin about preparing for and responding to severe storm

events, including tornadoes. The toolkit provides background informaon, praccal guidance, strategies, media

releases, talking points, denions, and useful reference materials on this topic. The guides in this toolkit may be copied

onto agency leerhead for distribuon to residents aected by tornadoes and other severe storms. Further resources

can be found in Appendix B: Addional Resources.

Background

While not in an especially tornado-heavy part of the United States, Wisconsin sll experiences, on average, 23

tornadoes per year.

The high winds and severe storms that can accompany tornadoes pose serious health hazards to

the people of Wisconsin. In the summer of 2014, southwestern Wisconsin experienced severe damage from tornadoes,

high winds, and hail, resulng in injuries and destrucon of mulple

buildings.

The Naonal Weather Service issues, on average, one to two

tornado warnings and ve to 10 severe thunderstorm warnings per county

per year in Wisconsin’s southern counes, and fewer in the northern

counes.

Climate Trends

Long-term trend analysis of Wisconsin’s climate indicates that the state is

becoming warmer and weer.

Aer analyzing historical climate data from

1950-2006 and developing downscaled local climate models, University of

Wisconsin climate sciensts created potenal climate projecons based on historical trends and sciencally validated

models. Several of the potenal outcomes indicate that an increase in average annual precipitaon and warmer annual

average temperature may occur in the state. Severe storms and tornadoes need warm moist air to form, among many

other factors. Climate surveillance has shown that within the past 60 years tornadoes are not occurring more frequently

but rather are occurring on days that already had a documented tornado. This means that there is an increase in

tornado density.

Health Impacts

These trends suggest an increase in negave health impacts in Wisconsin as a result of greater intensity of severe

thunderstorms, accompanying strong winds, and tornado occurrences. Potenal health concerns include lightning

fatalies and survivors with long-term mental and physical health eects.

Between 2004 and 2013, there were 329

lightning deaths in the United States, ve of which were in Wisconsin.

Severe storms and tornadoes can cause

signicant damage to housing infrastructure and can injure or kill people in the areas aected by the storm. Intense

storm events and tornadoes may also have negave eects on mental health as families and communies deal with

storm damage and destrucon.

Wisconsin averages

23 tornadoes per

year.

INTRODUCTION

Funnel Cloud

A visible, rotang, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm toward but not quite reaching the ground.

Heat Lightning

Lightning from a thunderstorm too far away to be heard.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Severe thunderstorms are occurring in the area.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Weather condions suggest that severe thunderstorms are possible in the area.

Straight-Line Winds

Any wind generated by a thunderstorm that is not associated with rotaon and can be considered severe if the winds

exceed 58 mph. Damage from straight-line winds occurs in the same general direcon due to lack of rotaonal wind.

Tornado Warning

An alert issued when a funnel cloud is sighted or indicated by weather radar. Shelter should be taken immediately.

Tornado Watch

An alert issued when weather condions favor the

formaon of tornadoes—oen during thunderstorms.

Tornado

A violently rotang column of air that extends from a

thunderstorm to the ground and is oen—although not

always—visible as a funnel cloud. Lighng and hail are

common in thunderstorms that produce tornadoes.

Wall Cloud

An isolated, oen abrupt, lowering of a cloud that

develops beneath the base of a thunderstorm. It is

always rain-free and usually exists for 10-20 minutes

before a tornado appears. A wall cloud may also

persistently rotate.

Tornado denions

5,6

| Storm denions

DEFINTIONS

Tornadoes are characterized through the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale). The scale is a set of wind esmates in three-

second gusts, and is based on 28 dierent damage indicators. For more informaon on the EF-Scale, see spc.noaa.gov/

faq/tornado/ef-scale.html.

Weak Tornadoes

 88% of all tornadoes

 Less than 5% of tornado deaths

 Lifeme 1-10+ minutes

 Winds less than 110 mph

 Produce EF0 or EF1 damage

Strong Tornadoes

 11% of all tornadoes

 Nearly 30% of all tornado deaths

 May last 20 minutes or longer

 Winds 111-165 mph

 Produce EF2 or EF3 damage

Violent Tornadoes

 Less than 1% of all tornadoes

 70% of all tornado deaths

 May last over one hour

 Winds greater than 166 mph

 Produce EF4 or EF5 damage

Tornado Categories

Wisconsin’s tornado season usually runs from May through July. During these months, it is benecial to have a plan in

place should a tornado be sighted in your area. The following informaon includes how to recognize tornado condions,

create a tornado emergency plan, and assemble a disaster emergency kit. For more detailed informaon, see the

Naonal Weather Service’s Tornado Preparedness Guide: nws.noaa.gov/om/severeweather/resources/l6-10.pdf.

Tornado Conditions

When there are thunderstorms in the area, pay aenon to the radio or television for emergency informaon about the

possibility of a tornado watch or warning. Research your community’s warning system, and be prepared when the

warning sounds.

Be alert for visible or audible signs of a tornado:

 Greenish or unusually colored clouds

 Low-hanging and rotang wall cloud

 Funnel clouds

 Hail in the absence of rain

 Loud, train-like roaring sound

 Swirling cloud of debris

Funnel Cloud Wall Cloud

Rotang Wall Dark Clouds

Recognizing tornado signs

Create a Tornado Emergency Plan

 Sketch a oor plan of where you live, or walk through each room and discuss where and

how to seek shelter.

 Show a second way to exit from each room or area. If you need special equipment, such

as a rope ladder, mark where it is located.

 Make sure everyone understands the siren warning system, if there's such a system in

your area.

 Mark where your rst aid kit and re exnguishers are located.

 Mark where the ulity switches or valves are located so they can be turned o—if me

permits—in an emergency.

 Teach your family how to administer basic

rst aid, how to use a re exnguisher,

and how and when to turn o water, gas,

and electricity in your home.

 See FEMA for more informaon on

idenfying a proper pre-designated area

to take shelter: ready.gov/tornadoes.

PLANNING FOR SEVERE STORMS

Assemble a Disaster Emergency Kit

 3-day supply of water (1 gallon of water per person, per day)

 3-day supply of non-perishable food (and can opener)

 Baery-operated radio and extra baeries

 Cell phone and charger

 Flashlight and baeries

 First aid kit (bandages, gauze, tweezers, disinfectant, gloves, pain relievers, thermometer, etc.)

 Whistle to signal for help

 Dust mask

 Survival blanket (also known as a space blanket)

 Extra cash (about $50)

 Pocket knife

 Wrench to turn o ulies

 Medicaons, hand sanizer, moist towelees, plasc es, and garbage bags

 Local maps for evacuaon

 Change of clothes (including rain jacket, gloves, hat, etc.)

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Division of Public Health

Climate and Health Program

P-01037a (Rev. 05/2019)

If you are… Then...

Indoors

A sturdy building with

no open windows to

the outside

 Take shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid isolated sheds or other small

structures in open areas.

 Avoid contact with corded phones and devices including those

plugged into electrical outlets for recharging. Cordless and wireless

phones not connected to wall outlets are OK to use.

 Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug appliances

and other electrical items such as computers, and turn o air

condioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious

damage.

 Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take

a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry. Plumbing and

bathroom xtures can conduct electricity.

 Stay away from windows and doors, and stay o porches.

 Do not lie on concrete oors and do not lean against concrete walls.

Avoid contact with anything metal—tractors, farm equipment,

motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.

In a Forest

Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.

In an Open Area

 Go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for ash oods.

 Avoid hilltops, open elds, or the beach.

 Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open

area.

In Open Water

Get to land and nd shelter immediately.

In a Car

 Try to safely exit the roadway and park.

 Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency ashers unl the

heavy rain ends.

 Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in

and outside the vehicle.

When there is a severe storm in your area, it is important to nd shelter as soon as you can.

The best opon is a house or building with the windows and doors closed, and no open areas

to the outside.

STAYING SAFE IN A SEVERE STORM

If a tornado warning is implemented, seek shelter immediately. Protect yourself by nding an area in the interior of a

building. Below is informaon on how to proceed in dierent scenarios when a tornado is spoed.

If you are in… Then...

A Structure

(e.g., residence,

small building,

school, nursing

home, hospital,

factory, shopping

center, high-rise

building)

Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room, basement, storm

cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the

center of a small interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior

hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as

many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a

sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

 In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on

the lowest oor possible.

 Put on sturdy shoes.

 Do not open windows.

A Manufactured

Home or Office

Get out immediately and go to a pre-idened locaon such as the

lowest oor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile

homes, even if ed down, oer lile protecon from tornadoes.

The Outdoors

with No Shelter

If you are not in a sturdy building, there is no single research-based

recommendaon for what last-resort acon to take because many

factors can aect your decision. Possible acons include the following:

 Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to

drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If your vehicle is hit by ying

debris while you are driving, pull over and park.

 Take cover in a staonary vehicle. Put a seat belt on and cover

your head with your arms and a blanket, coat, or cushion if

possible.

 Lie in an area noceably lower than the level of the roadway and

cover your head with your arms and a blanket, coat, or other

cushion if possible.

 Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low,

at locaon.

 In urban or congested areas, never try to outrun a tornado in a

vehicle. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.

 Watch out for ying debris. Flying debris causes most fatalies

and injuries from tornadoes.

Straight-line winds can cause damage similar to tornadoes and usually emerge from thunderstorms. The damage

caused by straight-line winds is pushed in the direcon the wind was moving.

If you are… Then...

Inside a Building

 Move to the lowest oor and stay away from windows.

 Taking shelter in a basement is strongly encouraged, especially if you

are surrounded by trees that could fall onto the building or house.

 If you are in a mobile home, move to a stronger building or storm

cellar if winds reach speeds of 70 mph.

Driving

 Keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.

 Pull over to the shoulder and stop, making sure you are away from

trees or other tall objects that could fall on your vehicle. DO NOT stop

in the middle of a lane under an overpass. This could lead to an

accident.

 Take extra care in a high-prole vehicle such as a truck, van, SUV, or

when towing a trailer.

 These are more prone to being pushed or even ipped by

straight-line winds.

 If possible, orient your vehicle so it points into the wind.

 Stay in the car and turn on the hazard lights unl the wind subsides.

Outside

 Take cover in a well-built building, or use this building to block the

wind if you cannot get inside.

 If no building is nearby, nd the lowest spot and crouch low to the

ground.

 Stay away from trees or power lines since these are easily felled by

straight-line winds.

 If you are in the middle of a forest, move to the lowest/smallest stand

of trees.

 Stay clear of roadways or train tracks, as the winds may blow you into

the path of an oncoming vehicle.

 Watch for ying debris. Tree limbs, street signs, and other objects may

break and become ying projecles in the wind.

LIGHTNING SAFETY

As of November 2014, there were 26 lightning fatalies in the United States in 2014. Six were in Florida, three in

Wisconsin, and two each in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, and Massachuses.

Knowing the facts about

lightning can help you stay safe.

Lightning Fiction and Fact

Ficon: If it is not raining, then there is no danger from lightning.

Fact: Lightning oen strikes in the absence of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.

This is especially true in the western United States, where thunderstorms somemes produce very lile rain.

Ficon: The rubber soles of shoes or res on a car will protect you from being struck by lightning.

Fact: Rubber-soled shoes and rubber res provide NO protecon from lightning. The steel frame of a hard-topped

vehicle provides increased protecon if you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes

your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

Ficon: People struck by lightning should not be touched because they carry an electrical charge.

Fact: Lightning-strike vicms carry no electrical charge and should be helped immediately. Anyone who has been hit

by lightning requires immediate professional medical care. Call 9-1-1 and begin CPR immediately if the person has

stopped breathing. Use an automac external debrillator if one is available. Contact your local American Red Cross

chapter for informaon on CPR and rst aid classes.

Ficon: “Heat lightning” occurs aer very hot summer days and poses no threat.

Fact: “Heat lightning” is a term used to describe

lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for the

thunder to be heard.

What You Can Do Before Lightning Strikes

Plan Ahead

 Develop a plan for you and your family at home, work, school, and when outdoors. Tips are available from the

American Red Cross (redcross.org) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency at ready.gov.

 Check the weather forecast. If thunderstorms are predicted, consider postponing outdoor acvies.

 Have a Public Alert ™ cered NOAA Weather Radio or use a weather applicaon for your cell phone to alert

you if threatening weather arises.

Seek Safe Shelter

 Small outdoor buildings, including sports dugouts, rain shelters, garages, etc., are NOT SAFE. Substanal

buildings with wiring and plumbing are the safest places. Oce buildings, schools, and homes oer good

protecon.

 Once inside, stay away from windows, doors, and anything that conducts electricity.

 A hard-topped metal vehicle with the windows closed also provides good protecon. Avoid contact with metal

in the vehicle and try to keep away from windows.

If You Cannot Get to a Safe Shelter

 Avoid open elds, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.

 Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects.

 Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects. Water and metal are excellent conductors of electricity.

The current from a lightning ash will easily travel for long distances.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Division of Public Health

Climate and Health Program

P-01037b (Rev. 05/2019)

AFTER A SEVERE STORM

Injury can result directly from the tornado or severe storm, and can also occur aer the

tornado when people are walking among damaged or destroyed buildings. Tornadoes oen

damage power lines, gas lines, or electrical systems. Because of this, there is an increased risk

of re, electrocuon, or explosion.

 Connue to monitor your baery-powered radio or television for emergency

informaon.

 Only enter severely damaged buildings aer they have been inspected for structural

integrity.

 Be careful when entering any structure that has been damaged.

 Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves, and gloves when handling or walking on or

near debris.

 Safely work in teams if possible during cleanup eorts.

 Be aware of hazards from exposed nails and broken glass.

 Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report

electrical hazards to the police and the ulity company.

 Use baery-powered lanterns, if possible, rather than candles to light homes without

electrical power. If you use candles, make sure they are in safe holders away from

curtains, paper, wood, or other ammable items. Never leave a candle burning when

you are out of the room.

 Never use generators, pressure washers, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane,

natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, garage, or camper—or even

outside near an open window, door, or vent as these generate carbon monoxide (CO).

CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if you breathe in

high concentraons of it. CO from these sources can build up in your home, garage, or

camper and poison the people and animals inside. Seek prompt medical aenon if you

suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.

 Hang up displaced telephone receivers that may have been knocked o by a tornado,

but stay o the telephone, except to report an emergency.

 Cooperate fully with public safety ocials.

 Respond to requests for volunteer assistance by police, reghters, emergency

management, and relief organizaons, and do not go into damaged areas. Your

presence could hamper relief eorts, and you could endanger yourself.

 Be aware of damaged areas that may have controlled access.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Division of Public Health

Climate and Health Program

P-01037c (Rev. 05/2019)

If you are approached by the media regarding a reported severe storm health risk in your

jurisdicon, the following talking points may be used. Start with message A1 or A2, then

follow the instrucons within that box.

Out of respect for the

family, we are unable to

share any details.

Go to message C.

On [insert date], a [gender]

[“____ years old” or

“between the ages of ___

and ___”] died during the

storm.

Go to message C.

We were noed by the

medical examiner/coroner

about a fatality possibly

due to extreme weather

condions. Our

condolences go out to the

family.

Go to message B1 or B2.

The aer-eects of a severe storm can result in many adverse health eects. Please

remain safe by:

a. Listening to safety messages of response teams that are assessing the

damage.

b. Checking on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air condioning,

who spend much of their me alone, or who are more likely to be aected by

severe storms.

c. For more informaon visit [insert relevant website].

We have not been noed

of any recent fatalies

linked to severe storm

condions.

Go to message C.

Talking Points for Severe Storms

Talking points and message maps for local health professionals

Message mapping is one of the most important risk communicaon tools that public health agencies can employ.

The goal of a message map is to convey important informaon in a concise and easy to understand fashion.

General Guidelines for Completing a Message Map

 Sck to three key messages or one key message with three parts for each underlying concern or specic

queson.

 Keep key messages brief. The reader should ideally spend less than 10 seconds per line.

 Develop messages that are easily understood by the target audience. (For communicaons with the general

public, use a 6th to 8th grade readability level.)

 Place messages within a message set. The most important messages should occupy the rst and last posi-

ons.

 Develop key messages that cite credible third pares.

 Use graphics and other visual aids to enhance key messages.

 Keep a posive tone. Messages should be soluon oriented and construcve. Try to balance negave mes-

sages with posive ones.

 Avoid unnecessary use of “absolute” words, such as no, not, never, nothing, and none.

CONCISE CLEAR

CREDIBLE

Noun Project

Gregor Cresnar

Herbert Spencer

The following is a message map that could be used when addressing the general public regarding severe storm safety.

Noun Project

Gregor Cresnar

Herbert Spencer

Key Messages

Three key messages

Supporting Information

Three pieces of supporng informaon for each key message

Message 1

Severe weather can happen at any

me.

Supporng Info 1

Severe storms can come with lile warning. Follow your local radio staons and

news channels for up-to-date informaon on incoming storms.

Supporng Info 2

Heed storm watches in our area, and take appropriate shelter when storm

watches turn into storm warnings.

Supporng Info 3

Acng quickly and being informed on weather paerns in your area are important

steps in being prepared.

Message 2

Develop a home emergency plan

for your family before a severe

storm hits.

Supporng Info 1

Find an area in your home where your family can take shelter during severe

storms. These rooms should have no windows to the outside.

Supporng Info 2

Idenfy two dierent ways to exit the house, should the need occur. Be sure to

pracce with your family.

Supporng Info 3

Develop an emergency communicaon plan, with important phone numbers and

informaon. These include: medical and emergency contacts, work and school

informaon, and insurance informaon.

Message 3

Check on your neighbors and those

most vulnerable to injury from

extreme weather.

Supporng Info 1

People with limited mobility, those who live alone, the elderly, and children may

be more vulnerable to injury during severe weather.

Supporng Info 2

Mental health can be aected during and aer severe weather. Stay calm and

follow your family’s emergency plan.

Supporng Info 3

Call 911 or seek medical aenon if you or someone you know has been injured.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Division of Public Health

Climate and Health Program

P-01037d (Rev. 05/2019)

1. Naonal Weather Service Weather Forecast Oce. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2015, from hp://

www.weather.gov/mkx/taw-tornado_stats

2. Get Ready for Tornadoes. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2015, from hp://www.readywisconsin.wi.gov/tornado

3. Wisconsin’s Changing Climate: Impacts and Adaptaon. 2011. Wisconsin Iniave on Climate Change Impacts.

Nelson Instute for Environmental Studies. UW-Madison and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources,

Madison, WI. Available at: hp://www.wicci.wisc.edu/report/2011_WICCI-Report.pdf

4. Elsner, J. B., Elsner, S. C., and Jagger, T. H. (2014). The increasing eciency of tornado days in the United States.

Climate Dynamics. DOI: 10.1007/s00382-014-2277-3.

5. Tornadoes. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2015, from hp://www.ready.gov/tornadoes

6. Tornadoes. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2015, from hp://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/tornadoes/

7. Thunderstorms & Lightning. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2015, from hp://www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-

lightning

8. NWS Forecast Oce Milwaukee/Sullivan. (n.d.). Retrieved February 3, 2015, from hp://www.weather.gov/mkx/

taw-straight_line_winds

9. Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Lightning: A Preparedness Guide. (n.d). Retrieved April 21, 2015, from hp://

www.nws.noaa.gov/om/severeweather/resources/l6-10.pdf

10. Retrieved May 8, 2015, from hp://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/fatalies/fatalies14.shtml

11. Icons from The Noun Project

REFERENCES

Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)

dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate/weather/tornado.htm

608-258-0099

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

fema.gov

FEMA Spanish Language Portal

fema.gov/es/

List of Wisconsin Local Health Departments

dhs.wisconsin.gov/lh-depts/counes.htm

List of Wisconsin Tribal Health Directors

dhs.wisconsin.gov/lh-depts/contacts/tribal-health-directors.pdf

Ready Wisconsin

readywisconsin.wi.gov

National Oceanic Atmostpheric Assocation (NOAA): Weather Safety

weather.gov/safety

RESOURCES