As Atlanta electricians, we pay close attention to local storms and tornado warnings, not only because they affect our business but because they affect our families. While southern Georgia is particularly susceptible to tornadoes, all parts of Georgia are prone to them.
What time of year do tornadoes occur?
Peak tornado season in Georgia is in March, April, and May. On average, we have six days with reported tornadoes in the state. Even though we can have a tornado any month of the year, they are most likely to occur between March and May.
Most of the time, tornadoes occur in the mid-afternoon to the early evening, but they can happen any time of the day or night. According to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), tornadoes mostly occur in areas with unstable atmospheric conditions that typically lead to the formation of supercell thunderstorms.
5 Common Tornado Warning Signs
As a Georgia resident, it’s critical to familiarize yourself and your family with the tornado warning signs. Tornadoes can touchdown with little to no warning, but you can watch for these signs that indicate optimal weather conditions for tornado formation:
- Dark sky
- Greenish-looking sky
- Large hail
- A loud roaring sound (like a freight train)
- Rain or a thunderstorm
To keep everyone safe and calm, make sure your family knows where to go and what to do well before a tornado warning is in effect.
What to Do When a Tornado Hits
If you’re caught off-guard by a tornado, you may not have a tornado shelter to hide in, or you may not have enough time to get to safety. So, you have to do the best with what you have around you, even if you have few options.
Inside a Building
If you’re in a home, office, or other building, seek shelter in an interior room that’s away from windows. If you can, get to a basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building that you are in.
In a High-Rise
If you’re in a high-rise office building, go to an interior room or a hallway on the lowest floor you can safely reach. Stay away from all glass in windows and doors. If you can, crouch under a sturdy piece of furniture and protect your head and neck with your arms.
In a Trailer or Mobile Home
If you’re in a mobile home or trailer, get out immediately and head to a storm shelter or nearby building.
In a Vehicle
If you’re in a car and you see a tornado coming your way, you’re in danger! A tornado can tumble a car, blow it off the road or highway, or sweep it up and hurl it. If you see a tornado heading your way, get out and seek shelter in a building or storm shelter.
Electrical Concerns to Watch Out for During a Tornado
There are several electrical concerns with tornadoes.
- Be careful of downed power lines. Downed power lines can be deadly — if you encounter a downed power line or if you see objects in contact with a downed power line, don’t ignore it. Keep a safe distance away and report it to the police and the local utility company.
- Keep an eye out for electrical hazards and broken glass inside buildings. Be careful of electrical hazards, broken glass, and exposed nails if you enter any building damaged by a tornado.
- Fires started from candle use. If you lose power in your home or property, do not use candles as they could cause a fire. Using battery or solar-powered lanterns is a better way to get light and stay safe.
The most important thing to do during a tornado is to ensure the safety of yourself and your family. Preparation beforehand can make young children feel more comfortable with this scary experience.
We hope you found this information useful. Whether your building was affected by a tornado or you simply need an electrical contractor in the Greater Atlanta Area, contact Lightning Bug Electric today. (404) 471-3847