Tornado Preparedness

Tornado

Tornadoes are the most destructive and devastating product of a thunderstorm. These violent “twisters”, are characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud, which forms from the bottom of a wall cloud and touches the ground. Tornadoes are often accompanied by lightning, heavy rain and hail.

A Tornado Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. Be prepared to take action.

A Tornado Warning is issued when radar indicates a tornado, or a funnel cloud has been sighted. Seek shelter immediately.

In an average year, the United States reports 800 tornadoes Resulting in 80 deaths and 1,500 Injuries. While they can occur all year, They are most common during the Spring in the Great Plains, where they develop along “drylines”, which separate very warm, moist air to the east from hot, dry air to the west. Tornado producing thunderstorms may form as the dryline moves east during the afternoon hours.

Seeking Shelter

The safest place to be when a tornado strikes is in a basement under something sturdy like a workbench. If your house does not have a basement, seek shelter in a small room in the middle of the house. A closet or a bathroom is best. The more walls between you and the approaching storm, the better. Have a portable radio and flashlight handy to take with you.

If you live in a mobile home, even those with tie downs, seek more sturdy shelter. Go to a prearranged location like a neighbor’s house or a nearby structure with a basement. As a last resort, go outside and lie flat on the ground with your hands over your head and neck.

In an automobile, never try to outrun a tornado. Tornadoes create flying debris that cause severe injury. Get out of your vehicle and seek a safe structure or lie down in a low area with your hands covering the back of your head and neck. Keep alert for flash floods.

At work or school know the emergency shelter plans. If no specific plans exist, go to an interior hallway or small room on the building’s lowest level. Avoid areas with glass and wide, free span roofs. In a store or shopping mall, if you can’t get to a basement or designated shelter, go to the center of the lowest level of the building. Avoid windows and lie flat. Cover yourself with any sturdy object.

Local Shelter/Safe Rooms/

Mayflower Elementary School-4 Grove, Mayflower AR
Mayflower City Hall-2 Ashmore, Mayflower AR
Mayflower Community/Police Building-5 Ashmore, Mayflower AR

(Mayflower Community Storm Shelters Safety Procedures: All occupants must obey the site coordinator’s instructions, anyone not complying with the guidelines may be expelled or arrested, everyone is expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not cause problems for other occupants, children must be kept under control by a parent, no pets except certified service animals (appropriate certifications required), noise should be kept at a minimum, music and other devices must be used with headphones, one one small bag per person, everyone must remain in the shelter until an all clear is given by the site coordinator, no weapons, no smoking, no alcohol, no profanity)

Vilonia High School-1164 Main St., Vilonia AR
Vilonia Intermediate School (FMIS)-98 N Mt Olive Rd, Vilonia AR

(These are open to the public ONLY when school is not in session. Doors automatically open when tornado warning is issued. No pets allowed.)

Vilonia Elementary School-15 Eagle St., Vilonia AR- (Open after High School is at full capacity)
Vilonia Primary School-4 Bane Ln., Conway AR

(Please note, the Vilonia Primary and Elementary safe rooms serve as after school care (till 6:00 pm) during school year and also as holiday & summer day cares  They will apply to the in session rule. No pets allowed.)

Conway SD Ruth Doyle Intermediate-800 Padgett Rd., Conway AR
Conway SD Simon Intermediate-1601 E. Siebenmorgan, Conway AR
Conway SD Carolyn Lewis Elementary-1805 Old Military Rd, Conway AR
Conway SD Ellen Smith Elementary-1601 South Donaghey, Conway AR
Conway SD Florence Mattison Elementary-2001 Florence Mattison, Conway AR
Conway SD Ida Burns Elementary-1201 Donaghey, Conway AR
Conway SD Jim Stone Elementary-4255 College Ave, Conway AR
Conway SD Julia Lee Moore Elementary-1301 Country Club Rd, Conway AR
Conway SD Marguerite Vann Elementary-2845 Carl Stuart Rd, Conway AR
Conway SD Theodore Jones Elementary-1800 Freyaldenhoven Ln, Conway AR
Conway SD Woodrow Cummins Elementary-1440 Padgett Rd, Conway AR

Mayflower Middle School-18 Eagle Cir., Mayflower, AR 72106
Springhill Elementary School-91 Elliott Rd, Greenbrier AR 72058

(These are open to the public ONLY when school is not in session.)

FAULKNER COUNTY GOV. SAFE ROOM SHELTER

A shelter is located behind the OEM building at 57 Acklin Gap Road, Conway, AR 72032.
A shelter is located in the city of Holland at 336 Sawmill Road, Holland, AR 72173.

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

1) FOR PROTECTION FROM SEVERE WEATHER, ALL 3 DEADBOLTS MUST BE LOCKED FROM THE INSIDE!!!

2) The shelter is open to the public during Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Warnings.

3) The shelter will remain open until all severe weather threats have passed.

4) Weapons ARE NOT allowed in the shelter.

5) Smoking and the use of tobacco in any form is prohibited in the shelter.

6) Alcohol and drugs (other than prescribed by a doctor) ARE NOT allowed in the shelter.

7) Animals WILL NOT be allowed in the shelter but can remain in your car.