What should a school do to prepare for a tornado?
1. Develop a severe weather action plan and conduct frequent drills. Children should kneel on the floor, putting their head on the ground and covering their neck with their hands. The neck and lower head are the most vulnerable parts of the body to flying debris. 2. Each school should be inspected and shelter areas designated by a registered engineer or architect. Schools without basements should use interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor and away from windows. 3. Have a compressed air horn or megaphone to activate the alarm in case of power failure. 4. Make special provisions for disabled students or those in trailers. 5. Have someone on hand to turn off the gas or electricity if the school is damaged. 6. Prepare to keep children at school beyond regular hours if threatening weather is expected. Children are safer in school than traveling on the roadways during severe weather. Students should NOT be sent home early if severe weather is approaching. 7. Large, high rooms are da