Summer in Alberta brings warm weather, long days, and unfortunately the risk of severe storms-including tornadoes, make sure you know the signs.
Tornadoes can form quickly and with little warning, causing widespread destruction. Being prepared can make all the difference. Know the signs and stay informed, tornadoes often develop from severe thunderstorms. Watch for these warning signs:
- Dark, greenish skies
- Large hail
- A loud, continuous roar (like a freight train)
- A funnel cloud descending from the sky
Stay informed by tuning into emergency alerts through Alberta Emergency Alert or the WeatherCan app.
Create a Safe Shelter Plan
Identify and prepare your safe space before a tornado strikes:
- Basement or underground shelter is the safest option.
- If you don’t have a basement, choose a small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor such as a bathroom, closet or hallway.
- If you’re in a vehicle, never try to outrun a tornado. Instead, seek shelter in a sturdy building or lie flat in a low-lying ditch away from your vehicle.
Mini Emergency Kit Item for June
This month add a whistle and flashlight to your kit. A whistle can help rescuers locate you if trapped, and a flashlight ensures you have visibility during an outage.
This month’s challenge: Hold a family tornado drill.
Practice getting to your safe space quickly, ensuring everyone knows what to do when a tornado warning is issued. Preparedness is a continuous effort, not a finish line. Small steps, like practicing tornado drills and building your emergency kit, can reduce stress and save lives.
Stay tuned for next month’s tips as we take the next step towards readiness. Let’s make 2025 the year we all #BePrepared.
For more resources and information, visit alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness.