PURPOSE
This plan is designed to serve as a guide and to provide useful information to the public. Users of this planareencouragedtodirectallquestionstotheappropriatedesignatedagencies.
ASALWAYS,INANEMERGENCYSITUATION,PLEASECALL911 SCIENCE
Tornadoes are a destructive force that in the United States occur an average 1300 times annually, resulting in an average of 80 deaths per year. In Texas alone, tornadoes occur an average of 137 times annually,resultinginanaverageof8deathsperyear. Asingletornadooranoutbreakoftornadoescan killdozensatonetimeandcancausewidespreaddamage.
Atornado isdefinedasa violentlyrotatingcolumnofairextendingfrom a thunderstormtotheground. Themostviolenttornadoesarecapableoftremendousdestructionwithwindspeedsof300mphormore. Damagepathscanbeinexcessofonemilewideand50mileslong.
Likely conditions indicating atornado include a dark, greenish sky, largehail, awall cloud, and aloud roar similar to a freight train. Tornadoes may appear as a visible funnel extending partially or fully to the ground and may be accompanied by debris. While some tornadoes are clearly visible, they can be nearly transparentuntiltheyhavepickedupdustanddebris,ortheymaybehiddenorobscuredbyrain orlow-hangingclouds.
Tornadoes canhappen during any time of the year and at any time oftheday. Theymay strike quickly and without warning. In East Texas, peak tornado season is from mid-March through mid-June. There isasecondpeaktimefortornadooutbreaksthatoccursfromSeptemberthroughOctober.Tornadoesare mostlikelytooccurbetween3p.m.and9p.m.
Other hazardous conditions often associated with tornadoes include flash floods, lightning, damaging straight-linewinds,andlargehail.Hurricanesbringanincreasedthreatoftornadoestoourregion.
TORNADOWATCH-TheNationalWeatherServicehasforecastthattornadoesare likely to occur in the watch area. Check supply kits. Be ready to act quickly and to take shelter. Monitor radio and televisionstationsformoreinformation.
TORNADOWARNING -Atornado has been sighted in the area or has been indicated by radar. TAKESHELTERIMMEDIATELY.
Most people who are injured or who die in a tornado are struck by flying debris or are crushed under fallingobjectsorcollapsingbuildings.Itisthereforeimperativethatproperprecautionsbetakenbefore, during,andafteratornado.
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PRECAUTIONS BEFOREATORNADO
Sign up for RAVE alerts. Tyler and Smith County switched from Code Red to Smart 911 and theRAVEAlertsystemthroughtheirpartnershipwiththeETCOG.
o CityofTylerresidents:
https://www.smart911.com/smart911/registration/registrationLanding.action?cdnExternalPath= orclickonthelinkathttp://fire.cityoftyler.organdscrolltothebottomofthepage
o SmithCountyresidents:https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=smithcounty orclickonthelinkathttps://www.smith-county.com/government/departments/emergencymanagement
DownloadtheRedCross“EmergencyandFirstAid”appfromyoursmartdeviceappstore
Listenforwarningsirens,whereavailable
MonitorlocalTVandradioweatherstationsforthelatestupdates
MonitorNOAAWeatherRadio
Buildanemergencykit(www.ready.gov/build-a-kit)andhaveafamilycommunicationsplan (www.ready.gov/make-a-plan)
BecometrainedinCPRandFirstAidtoincludeBleedingControl.Encourageyourfriendsand familytodothesame
Bealerttochangingweatherconditionsandlookforapproachingstorms
Bepreparedto take shelterimmediatelyif yousee anyof thewarningsigns orif atornadowarning isissuedforyourarea
o Dark,greenishsky
o Large, dark, low flying clouds, especiallyonethatisrotating
o Largehail
o Loudroar,similartoatrain
EXTRAMEASURESFORPEOPLEWITHSPECIALNEEDS
Write down your specific needs, limitations, capabilities, and medications. Keep this list near you always--perhapsinyourpurseorwallet
Findsomeonenearby(aspouse,roommate,friend,neighbor,relative,orco-worker)whowill agree to assist you in case of an emergency. Give this person a copy of your list. You may also want to provideasparekeytoyourhome,ordirectionstofindakey
Keep aware of weather conditions through whatever means are accessible to you, such as closed captioningorscrolledwarningsonTV
People with disabilities such as access and functional needs, including limited mobility, communication barriers, transportation assistance, personal care, and special medical assistance, should register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Register (STEAR)-Public. https://www.dps.texas.gov/dem/stear/public.htm.
Ifyoudonothaveaccesstotheinternet,youcanregisterforSTEARoverthephonebydialing211.
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IDENTIFICATIONOFISOLATED/ELDERLYATRISKINDIVIDUALS
7-10%maynothaveatelephone. Actionindividualsoragenciesinclude:
LocalFireDepartments
NeighborhoodCrimeWatch
LocalLawEnforcementAgencies (especiallyBeatOfficers)
EmergencyMedicalServices(EMS)
MealsonWheels
SeniorCitizenCenter
HospitalSocialWorkers
HomeHealthNursing
AnimalControlOfficers
WELFARECONCERN
ChurchVolunteers
CitizenVolunteers
Friendsand Family
PublicHealthCaseManagers/Outreach Workers
EmergencyCareCenters/Emergency Rooms/otherMedicalFacilities
EastTexasCouncilforIndependentLiving, fordisabledresidents
Should concernexistandavisitbenecessary,pleasecontact theTylerPoliceDepartment at(903)5311000ortheSmithCountySheriff’sDepartmentat(903)566-6600orcall911.
DURINGATORNADO
Ifyouareinasturdyshelter
o Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room, a basement, a storm cellar, or the lowest level in the building. If there is no basement, go to the center of a small interior room on the lowest levelawayfromdoors,windows,andoutsidewalls.
o Getunderasturdytableanduseyourarmstoprotectyourheadandyourneck.
Ifyouareinamanufacturedhomeoroffice
o Getoutimmediately.Gotoapre-identifiedlocationsuchasthelowest floorofasturdy,nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes
If you are outside with no shelter, there is no single research-based recommendation for what is the best last resort action that you should take, as many factors can affect your decision. However, possibleactionsinclude
o Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If yourvehicleishitbyflyingdebriswhileyouaredriving,pulloverandpark.Nevertrytooutrun atornadoinurbanorcongestedareas.Instead,leavethevehicleimmediatelyforsafeshelter.
o If unable to reach a sturdy shelter, take cover in a stationary vehicle. Put the seat belt on and coveryourheadwithyourarmsandablanket,coatorothercushionifpossible.
o Lieinanareanoticeablylowerthantheleveloftheroadwayandcoveryourheadwithyourarms andablanket,coatorothercushionifpossible.
Inallsituations:
o Donotgetunderanoverpassorbridge.You aresaferinalow,flatlocation.
o Watchoutforflyingdebris.Mostfatalitiesandinjuriesarecausedbyflyingdebris.
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AFTERATORNADO
Manyinjuriesoccurafter atornadoduetowalkingthroughdamageddebris oruponenteringorexiting damagedbuildings.Propercaremustbetakentoavoidfurtherinjuryordeath.
Generalprecautions
o Continuetomonitorabatterypoweredradiofornewsandweather
o Usebatterypoweredflashlights.Donotuseopenflame,suchasacandle
o Cooperatefullywithpublicsafetyofficials
o Donotenterdamagedstructures
o Beawareofhazardsfrombrokenglass,nails,anddebris
o Reportdownedpowerlinesto911.Donottouchdownedpowerlinesorobjectsthatareincontact withdownedpowerlines
o Respond to requests for volunteer assistance by public safety officials and relief organizations, but do not go into damaged areas unless assistance has been requested. Your presence could hamperreliefeffortsandyoucouldendangeryourselfandothers
o Ifyourhomeisdamaged,shutoffutilitiestoavoidfire,electrocution,andexplosion
Injuries
o Checkforinjuries
o Call911
o Donotattempttomoveseriouslyinjuredpersonsunlesstheyareinimmediatedangeroffurther injury
o Ifsomeonehasstoppedbreathing,beginCPR.IfyouarenottrainedinCPR,911willbeableto guideyouthroughtheproperprocedure.
o If you are trapped, or if you discover someone who is trapped, try to attract attention to your location and notify 911. Only attempt rescue if the victim’s life is in imminent danger and use extremecaution.IfatallpossiblewaitforFirstResponderstoarrive.
Otherunsafeconditions
o Immediatelyreportallunsafeconditionsto911
POWERLINE/TREELIMBISSUES
Toreportelectrical/powerlineissuesoratreelimbconcerns,callOncorat(888)313-6862orvisit thewebsiteathttp://www.askoncor.com/.
HAZARDOUSSTREETS
To report hazardous street conditions in the City of Tyler, call (903) 535-1000. In Smith County call (903)566-6600
SHELTERS
OvernightLocations:
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SalvationArmy24-hourshelterforhomelessornearhomelesswithacapacityof200. Additionalspacefor250willbeavailableintheDisasterShelter.(903)592-4361.
RedCrossOpenondemand,dependentupondeclaredemergency. MattBrown,DisasterProgramManager,(903)581-7981or(903)216-6786
DaytimeLocations:
MedicalFacilitiesincludinglocalhospitals,clinics,andstand-aloneemergencyrooms.
SalvationArmy633N. Broadway,Open24hours,7daysaweek,(903)592-4361
LocalFireStationsCheckwithindividualfacilitiesregardingactivitiesandaccommodations
BroadwaySquareMallandotherretailoutletsOnCitybusroute
Hiway80RescueMission601E.Valentine(903)617-6097or(903)216-91838:30am-11:30amand 1:00pm–4:00pm
MovieTheatres:Checkwithindividualfacilitiesregardingactivitiesandaccommodations
Churches:Checkwithindividualfacilitiesregardingactivitiesandaccommodations
Schools:Onholdatthistime.Dependsonadeclaredemergencyandwhetherschoolisinsession
CityofTylerFacilities:
TylerFireDepartment:Variouslocations.Call903-535-0005or911
GlassRecreationCenter:501W.32ndSt., MondaythroughFriday7am-10pm,Saturday9am-3pm, closed Sunday. Open to the public during posted hours with estimated capacity of 500 individuals. Activitiescanbescheduledbycalling(903)595-7271
Tyler Public Library: 201 S. College. Monday through Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm. Open to the public during posted hours with an estimated capacity of120 individuals. Activitiescan be scheduled through the library for Taylor Auditorium (capacity100)bycalling(903)593-7323
SeniorCitizenActivityCenter:1915GardenValleyRoad,(903)597-0781foradditionalinformation aboutservices,8amto5pmMondaythroughFriday,estimatedcapacity125
Rose Garden: 420 Rose Park Drive, (903) 531-1349, 8am-5pm. Monday through Friday with an estimatedcapacity200
SmithCountyDayTimeLocations
SmithCountyOfficeofEmergencyManagement(903)590-2655
SmithCountyESD#1(903)882-3443
SmithCountyESD#2(903)617-6578
SmithCountySheriff’sOfficenon-emergency(903)566-6600
911
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PUBLICAFFAIRSNETWORK/HOTLINE
Providesupdatedinformationtothepublic
2-1-1Texaswww.211texas.org
NortheastTexasPublicHealthDistrict(903)535-0037 www.mynethealth.org
CityofTylerAccessChannel(903)533-7444 www.cityoftyler.org
Ready.Govwww.ready.gov
ChristusTrinityMotherFrancesHospital(903)593-8441 www.tmfhc.org
UTHealthTyler(903)877-7000www.uthct.edu
UnitedWayofSmithCounty(903)581-6376 www.uwsmithcounty.org
SalvationArmy(903)592-4361 www.salvationarmytexas.org/tyler
AmericanRedCross: Tyler(903)581-7981/Longview:(903)753-2091
http://www.redcross.org/local/texas/north-texas/locations/east-texas
PhoneAppsareavailablethroughsmartphoneappstore.
TylerMorningTelegraph(903)597-8111 www.tylerpaper.com
KTBB97.5FM/KRWR92.1FM(903)593-2519 www.ktbb.com
KETKNBC56(903)581-5656www.ketk.com
KLTVChannel7(903)510-7777www.kltv.com
KYTXCBS19(903)581-2211 www.cbs19.tv
581-9966
OtherMedia–SeeTelephoneBook
(903)581-5259
MEGA99.3KAPW(903)-581-5259OtherMedia(seetelephonebook)
CityofTylerAccessChannel, www.cityoftyler.org,or(903)533-7444
SMITHCOUNTYPIO1-903-590-4607
ATMOSGasService1-866-322-8667toreportanaturalgasemergency(24/7)
CenterPointEnergy1-800-259-5544toreportanaturalgasemergency(24/7)
ONCOR1-888-313-4747toreportdownlines,poweroutages(24/7)
HealthCareFacilities
o ChristusTrinityMotherFrances-TelecarePlus(903)531-5678or(800)535-9799
o UTHealthTyler903-597-0351
o UTHealthCenteratTylerEmergencyRoom(903)877-7777
NationalWeatherServiceReporting
Dial#1-800-551-8338 SkyWarnSpotterreportinglinetoreportsevereweatherevents.
WATER
Bottledwatermightbeavailablefrom:
SalvationArmy(903)592-4361 www.salvationarmytexas.org/tyler
PATH(903)597-4044www.pathhelps.org
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DONATIONSOFMATERIALS
The following agencies working in close partnership will accept donations of food, water, and other suppliesandappropriatelydistributethem. Thisincludesdonatedtransportationservices:
TylerFireDepartment(903)535-0005
PeopleAttemptingToHelp(PATH)(903)597-4044
SalvationArmy(903)592-4361
MealsonWheels(903)593-7385
KLTVChannel7(903)510-7777
KETKNBC56(903)581-5656
KYTXCBS19(903)581-2211
SmithCountyESD#2andVolunteerFireDepartments(903)617-6578
SmithCountyOfficeofEmergencyManagement(903)590-2655
USERSOFTHISPLAN:
Usersofthisplanareencouragedtodirectquestionstotheaboveidentifiedagencies.Shouldissuesnot beaddressedintheplan,orifquestionsremainunanswered,usersshouldcontacttheleadagency.
ADDITIONALINFORMATION
GotoReady.govforadditionalinformationonbuildingyouremergencydisasterkitandtocreate aplanincaseadisasteroremergencyarises.
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