The following tornado safety tips are provided by the La Junta Police and Fire departments, the Otero County Health Department, as well as the National Child Safety Council.

Before and during a tornado watch

# Be alert. Otero County Health Department Executive Director Rick Ritter said to watch the sky, watch television, listen to the radio to be prepared for a possible change in weather. watch for tornado danger signs including changes in the sky’s color, hail, large, dark low-lying clouds.

# Determine a designated area for the family to assemble in case of a tornado warning. “Be prepared to get to shelter and get ready to go,” Ritter said.

# Purchase a weather radio with a back up kit. Keep on hand a flashlight with extra batteries, as well as blankets.

# Assemble a disaster kit including food and means to open and prepare the food; water and a supply of medicine. Call the health department at 381-3040 to find out more information on a disaster kit.

# Prepare a first aid kit.

During a tornado warning

# Seek shelter - If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately. Community shelters are located at the city of La Junta Municipal Building at Sixth and Colorado and at La Junta High School. Enter the municipal building off Sixth Street in the dispatch area and enter La Junta High School near the south parking lot between the high school and swimming pool. Following Wednesday’s siren, close to 100 people sought shelter at the municipal building and one family found shelter at the high school.

Anyone in a house should get under heavy furniture in the center part of the house. If there is a basement, go there.

“Put as many walls between you and the outside,” Ritter said. “During a tornado, the walls will be peeled like an onion.”

Anyone in a mobile home should get out immediately and take cover in a nearby strong building, ditch or ravine.

Anyone in open country should move away from the approaching tornado’s path at the right angle. If there is no time to escape, lie flat in the nearest ditch or other depression. Be aware of flooding.

# Only call 911 or local law enforcement telephone numbers if it is an absolute emergency or to report actual tornadoes or funnel clouds. This ties up the phone lines used for emergencies.

# Keep the streets clear. If a tornado siren is sounded, people should be seeking shelter or already under shelter. La Junta Police Chief Todd Quick asks that people remain off the streets to allow emergency vehicles easy access in cases of emergencies.

Following a tornado
# Look out for broken glass, exposed electrical wiring, downed power lines, exposed gas lines.

# Check selves and loved ones for injuries.

# Do not enter a building unless it has been found safe to enter.

With the file information from: lajuntatribunedemocrat.com