Tornado safety rules should be included in Troop preparation for the camping season.   Although usually occurring in the Great Plains of the United States from early Spring through late Summer, a tornado can develop anytime atmospheric conditions are right. Do your Scouts know what to do if a tornado is approaching? Do your Leaders?

What do you do if you are in a building? Outdoors? In a vehicle? Where is the best place to seek shelter?

To help you develop an emergency plan, SCOUTER provides links, on the Tornado Compass Point, to web sites that provide helpful tornado information - what to look for, where to go, what to do - if a tornado is threatening. In addition, there are links to storm spotter sites which help you identify severe storms which may produce a tornado.

Because it is a valid occupation, we have included a link to a Storm Chaser web site. SCOUTER echoes their caution to adults and Scouts alike that those who would attempt to chase storms in hopes of seeing a tornado are putting themselves and others in a deadly situation. Like any occupation, this one requires special training. YOU SHOULD NEVER ATTEMPT THIS WITHOUT THE GUIDANCE OF AN EXPERIENCED STORM CHASER.

As always, being prepared will help to prevent injury and possibly save lives.