News Releases

A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has actually been sighted or is indicated by radar.

In the event of severe weather, where a tornado is spotted in the Amherst area, the Amherst Police Department will activate the emergency siren, located on the roof of the fire department.  The siren will sound for 3 minutes to alert residents of the tornado sighting.   If you hear this warning siren or if threatening weather approaches, you should take shelter immediately!!

If you are in:

·      A structure, such as a residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building:

Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level.  If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.  Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.  Do not open windows.

·    A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home:

Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter.  Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

·    The outside with no shelter:

Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.  Be aware of the potential for flooding.  Do not get under an overpass or bridge.  You are safer in a low, flat location.  Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.  Watch out for flying debris.  Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Last Modified 06-April-2006 11:46:53 EDT