Welcome to the Evans Fire Protection District. We are dedicated to keeping our community safe. Storm alerts can be confusing, but knowing the difference between watches and warnings can save lives. Here, you’ll find essential information to help you stay prepared and protected during severe weather events. Our team is here to serve you with 24-hour emergency and non-emergency services, ensuring that you know what to do when every moment counts.
If you don’t regularly watch or listen to the weather report, but strange clouds start moving in and the weather begins to look stormy, turn to the local radio or television station to get the weather forecast.
If a tornado “watch” is issued for your area, it means that a tornado is possible.
If a tornado “warning” is issued, it means that a tornado has been spotted, or is strongly indicated on radar, and it is time to go to a safe shelter immediately.
Be alert to what is happening outside as well. Here are some of the things that people describe when they tell about a tornado experience:
If you see a tornado and it is not moving to the right or to the left relative to trees or power poles in the distance, it may be moving towards you!
In a basement, away from the west and south walls. Hiding under a heavy work-table or under the stairs will protect the family from crumbling walls, chimneys, and large airborne debris falling into the cellar. Old blankets, quilts and an unused mattress will protect against flying debris, but they should be stored in the shelter area. Precious time can be lost by trying to find these items at the last minute.
In a small, windowless, first floor, interior room like a closet or bathroom. The bathtub and commode are anchored directly into the ground, and sometimes are the only thing left in place after the tornado. Getting into the bathtub with a couch cushion over you gives you protection on all sides, as well as an extra anchor to the foundation.
If there is no downstairs bathroom and the closets are all packed with “stuff,” a hall may be the best shelter. Put as many walls as you can between yourself and the tornado.
Most tornado deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you live in a mobile home park, you should find out from the manager where you should go in the event of a tornado–but don’t wait until you really need the information–ask him/her on a nice day! Mobile home parks may have a designated tornado shelter, or a steel reinforced concrete laundry room. If they don’t, you need to find another substantial structure that you can reach very quickly. You may have only seconds to get to it.
If you happen to be outside, away from home when a tornado strikes it is important to know what to do to survive the storm. If caught in the open, you should seek a safe place immediately. The chances of encountering falling trees, power lines, and lightning is greater than encountering the tornado itself. The basement of a sturdy building would be best, but lying flat in a ditch or low-lying area may be the only thing available. A culvert in a ditch MAY be a good choice if there is no rain, but if there IS rain, flash flooding may be more dangerous and likely than the tornado.
If you are in a car, and you can see a tornado forming or approaching, you should leave the car and take shelter as above. You may think you can escape from the tornado by driving away from it, but you can’t know what you may be driving into! A tornado can blow a car off the road, pick a car up and hurl it, or tumble a car over and over.
An underpass may seem like a safe place, but may not be. No one knows how survivable an underpass is in a strong or violent tornado. The debris flying under the underpass could be very deadly… head for a ditch.
To prepare your home, secure loose items outdoors, check your emergency kit, and ensure you have clear exit routes. It’s also good to familiarize yourself with local emergency plans.
Essential items for your kit include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget personal documents and family emergency contacts.
Stay updated by following local news channels, signing up for emergency alerts, and checking weather apps frequently to ensure you’re aware of any changes in conditions.
During a storm, stay indoors and away from windows. Keep your emergency kit handy and listen to official updates. If instructed, evacuate promptly to ensure your safety.
You can assist others by checking on neighbors, sharing resources, or volunteering with local organizations focused on disaster relief and preparedness to strengthen community resilience.