Office of Emergency Management

Tornadoes, Storms and Disasters

What's a Disaster?

Disasters can be natural or man-made. Natural disasters are caused by nature, such as tornadoes, ice storms, severe weather and flooding. Too much rain and snow, or heavy winds can topple and uproot trees, cause damage to homes and buildings, and cut off electricity, water and telephones. Sometimes, violent weather can cause people to get hurt.

   


In 1998, tornadoes caused lots of damage to homes, schools, churches and other buildings in Nashville. The tornadoes flipped cars, uprooted many trees and changed the landscape in East Nashville, one of the city's hardest hit areas. Windows in downtown buildings were shattered, and many other neighborhoods were without electricity, phones and water for several days. Tornadoes are natural disasters.

In 2004, a tsunami caused widespread flooding in Asia and Africa. Your school or church may have collected money, clothing and other supplies to send to families affected by the floods. The tsunami caused so much damage, that many experts believe it will take a few years for the region to fully recover. A tsunami is a natural disaster.

A man-made disaster could be intentional (in-ten-tion-al) or accidental (ac-ci-den-tal). Intentional disasters happen on purpose and accidental disasters are mistakes. Both have a big community impact on people, the environment or property.


  

Man-made disasters could involve a hazardous materials spill caused by haulers who move chemicals by truck, train or boat. They could also involve a chemical spill caused from using or storing hazardous materials at a plant or some other fixed facility. An intentional man-made disaster may also involve acts of terrorism.

Natural disasters or violent weather, occur in our area because Nashville has warm, rapidly-changing weather patterns that often create conditions that are ripe for severe storms.

You can learn more about disasters and weather safety from the National Weather Service and American Red Cross, but here are some common terms you may hear on TV or the radio when the weather is potentially dangerous:

Tornado Watch - A tornado could develop, so look out for severe weather. Listen to your local radio and TV station for weather updates.

Tornado Warning - A tornado has been detected by radar or sighted by storm spotters. If you are inside, go to a safe place to protect yourself from shattered glass and flying objects. If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building, or lay face down flat in a ditch or low-lying area, and cover your head with your hands.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch - Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area. A thunderstorm is a storm with lightening. Severe thunderstorms may bring heavy rain and strong winds, hail and tornadoes. If you are outside, go inside a sturdy building or car. Move away from tall things like trees, fences, telephone lines and power lines because they attract lightening. Also, stay away from metal things that lightening may strike, such as bicycles, baseball bats and camping equipment.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning - A severe thunderstorm has been spotted. A warning is issued when the thunderstorm produces hail ¾ of an inch or larger, and winds equal or are greater than 58 miles per hour.

Winter Storm Watch - Snow, sleet and/or freezing rain could happen.

Winter Storm Warning - Snow, sleet and/or freezing rain is falling or very likely. The safest place to be is inside. If you go outside to play after a snow storm, dress in many layers and wear a hat and mittens.
If you start to shiver a lot and get tired, or your nose, fingers and toes start to feel numb - go inside and tell an adult.

Flash Flood Watch - Flooding is possible in your area. People in the flash flooding area are urged to be ready to take quick action if a flood warning is issued or flooding occurs. Listen to the local radio or TV station for flood information.

Flash Flood Warning - It is a dangerous situation where rapid flooding of small rivers, creeks and streams is possible or already happening. Very heavy rain that falls in a short period of time can cause flash flooding. If you come upon flood waters, turn around and go the other way. Climb to higher ground.

Never try to walk, swim or dive into the water because it may be moving too fast. Never play around high water, ditches, storm drains, ravines or culverts.

When A Disaster Strikes...

A disaster can happen at any time, but the best way to protect yourself is to be prepared. When people know what to do, everyone is able to plan better for an emergency or disaster. Here are some steps you and your family can take to be prepared when a disaster strikes:

1. Learn when and how to use 911

Only dial 911 if a police officer, firefighter or ambulance is needed because someone's life is in danger. This is called a life-threatening situation, and it is the only time you should dial 9-1-1.

2. Post emergency numbers by all telephones at home: Include the work and cell phone numbers of your mom and dad. Click here for an OEM Disaster Preparedness Backpack Card.

3. Assemble a family emergency kit: An emergency kit should have a three-day supply of water and food for each member of your family, a flashlight, batteries, medication and others things your family would need during a real emergency. For more ideas, click Family Emergency Kit.

4. Organize a Family Preparedness plan: Ask the adult in your home to designate two special places to gather outside in the event of a real emergency. Make sure everyone in your home knows the plan. For more ideas, click Family Preparedness.

5. Ask your parents to take CPR and first aid: CPR can help save the life of a loved one who is choking, having a heart attack or a stroke.

 

 

Know Where to go When the Sirens Blow

The Mayor's Office of Emergency Management is responsible for Nashville's outdoor early warning system that warns people who are outside of a possible tornado. There are 70 sirens located around the city in parks, near school playgrounds and in other places where people gather outside. We test the sirens on the first Saturday of every month at noon, unless there is stormy weather in the area. Click here to hear the siren blow.


Click here to hear the sirens

If you are outside when the sirens blow, go to a sturdy building. Go to an interior wall, away from windows, and cover your head.

If you are not near a sturdy building and the storm is on top of you, find a ditch or low-lying area, lay down and cover your head.


 

 

Weather Links For Kids

Additional OEM for Kids Links: