Tornadoes: Know your stuff Published March 16, 2012 23d Civil Engineer Squadron MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- According to the Air Force's "Be Ready" program, a tornado is a violent windstorm characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud. It is spawned by a thunderstorm, or sometimes a result of a hurricane and produced when cool air overrides a layer of warm air, forcing the warm air to rise rapidly. In the U.S., tornado season is generally March through August, although tornadoes can occur at any time of the year. They may strike quickly with little or no warning. Over 80 percent of all tornadoes strike between noon and midnight. They can last as little as one minute or an hour. They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel. Injuries or deaths most often occur as buildings collapse and when people are hit by debris while trying to escape the storm. According to the National Weather Service, approximately 42 people are killed by tornadoes each year. Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to damage during a tornado. A mobile home can overturn easily even if they are tied down. When a tornado watch is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado. Important terms Tornado Watch - Issued when conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes. Tornado Warning - Issued when a tornado has been sighted by weather radar. Danger Zones - Although all U.S. states are subject to tornadoes, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas are at the greatest risk. Warning and Danger Signs - An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. You may hear the sound of a loud roar, similar to a freight train, or see large hail. Preparation Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. However, there are important differences among potential emergencies that will impact the preparation process and the actions you will need to take, such as having an emergency supply kit and developing a family communications plan. Additionally, making a list of medications for you and your family is often a forgotten part of the planning process as well as names, addresses and phone numbers of close relatives. Lastly, all personnel should review the 23 Wing recall plan in order to prepare themselves on operational procedures in case of an emergency. It is important to know the potential emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate way to respond to them. In addition, learn about the emergency plans that have already been established in your area by the state of Georgia on the link here: Georgia Emergency Management Agency. Residents of Lowndes County and Moody may sign up for a free emergency notification service, to receive voice messages for hazards; similar to reverse 911. Refer to the the website linked here: CODE RED for more information and to sign up for this free service. For more information regarding weather disasters and emergencies, refer to the Air Force website here: "Be Ready".