How local Scouts prepare for worst
In the wake of the deadly tornado that ripped through a remote Iowa Boy Scout camp, killing four and injuring 48 others, local Scout leaders shared how they prepare Scouts and Scout leaders to stay as safe as possible while out in the field.
The leaders
• Within the first 24 hours of arriving at camp, leaders are trained to respond to multiple emergencies including a fire, lost Scout, possible drowning, security threat or severe weather.
• Before taking Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts in the field, leaders must receive outdoor safety training.
The Scouts
• Scouts also receive safety training within the first 24 hours of arriving at camp.
• Boy Scouts can earn an Emergency Preparedness merit badge, which requires Scouts to learn how to recognize, prevent and prepare for emergency situations including tornadoes, hurricanes, fire and flooding.
• Junior Girl Scouts and Girl Scouts can earn a number of awards in emergency preparedness and outdoor survival.
The camps
• Local camps are equipped with emergency broadcast systems, such as bells or sirens, audible throughout the grounds.
• Camp staff carry walkie-talkies and cell phones.
• Before campers arrive, camp staff receives extensive training, including what to do during severe weather.
• A staff member monitors the weather at all times, using radios and weather radar systems.
• All Scout camps have written emergency procedures.
Tornado readiness
• Clues a tornado is coming include dark, often greenish sky; wall clouds; large hail; a loud roar that sounds like a freight train.
• No place is safe from tornadoes. Tornadoes can strike near rivers, lakes and mountains.
• Summer is peak tornado time in the northern states.
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 and 9 p.m.
• The average tornado moves from southwest to northeast.
• No one should try to "outrun" a tornado in a car. Leave it immediately. If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.