Tornados... Cause an average of 70 fatalities and 1,500 injuries . Produce wind speeds in excess of 250 mph. Can be one mile wide and stay on the ground over 50 miles. Lightning... Causes an average of 80 fatalities and 300 injuries each year. Occurs with all thunderstorms. Strong Winds... Can exceed 100 mph. Can cause damage equal to a tornado. Can be extremely dangerous to aviation. Flash Flooding... Is the #1 cause of deaths associated with thunderstorms...more than 140 fatalities each year. Hail... Causes more than $1 billion in crop and property damage each year. The National Weather Service office in Northern Indiana is responsible for forecasts, watches and warnings in our area. You should know what to do if severe weather approaches the Lima area. You and your family should have a plan of action prior to storms approaching.

One thing you should do is form a Family Tornado plan. Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered. If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means: A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area. A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately. Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county or parish. When a Tornado WATCH Is Issued... If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area. If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above). After the Tornado Passes... Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area. Listen to the radio for information and instructions. Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage. Do not use candles at any time.