We’ve all witnessed thunderstorms. Aside from what Hollywood shows us of tornadoes, it’s difficult to imagine a darkening, green-tinted sky and the roar of a rotating column of air approaching you. But on a Sabbath morning or any other day of the week, churches are not immune from tornadoes.
This past March, Freedom Life Church in Winchester, Indiana, survived an EF-3 tornado with five congregants inside the building.1 Fortunately, despite one member being severely injured, all survived. Since 2001, Adventist Risk Management, Inc., has had 46 claims identified as tornado-related, costing an average of $163,059.
With tornado season in full swing in many places, let’s talk about how tornado disaster relief and tornado preparedness in Eureka, Kansas, brings communities together. We’ll also explain exactly what a tornado is, when and where they are more likely to occur, and the risks involved for you, your churches, and schools.
Tornado Preparedness and Disaster Relief Brings Eureka, Kansas, Community Together
We spoke to Pastor Francois Erasmus, Adventist Community Service representative for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference. He has responded to two tornadoes, both of which affected his community in Eureka, Kansas (one in 2016 and the other in 2018). The local church was not directly hit, but there were church members whose homes were destroyed. Thankfully, there was no loss of life, though one person was seriously injured in the 2018 storm. These experiences only emphasize how awareness and preparedness can help keep our ministries and communities intact in places where severe weather events occur.
According to Pastor Erasmus, the tornado brought the churches in the district closer together as they worked to help their community. “I think the members here understand the risk, and they take precautions. We don’t always have a warning. Sometimes the tornado is right over our head, and we need to have a plan in place,” he says. “One of the most overlooked elements is keeping track of everyone in the community. In the event of an emergency, we will be able to know how to find our community members.”
“The disaster is only going to last a couple minutes. It’s what comes afterward that presents big challenges—continuing ministry without electricity. The damage can last months, and in some cases, much longer,” Pastor Erasmus adds. This emphasizes the need for emergency response plans, tornado drills, and the verification of insurance coverage.
Tornadoes: What, When, Where, and How
What
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), tornadoes are violent storms, with winds reaching 300 miles per hour. They are essentially rotating columns of air that extend from thunderstorms and travel along the ground.
Science does not fully understand exactly how tornadoes form. However, we do know they originate from a complex interaction of thunderstorm processes, like wind gusts, humidity, and temperature.2 These atmospheric conditions make it important to rely on authoritative sources, such as the National Weather Service.
When
Although tornadoes can occur any time of year, tornado season varies by region. For the Southern Plains (Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas), tornado season is May to June. On the Gulf Coast, it is earlier in the spring. In the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, peak season is June or July. As far as time of day, tornadoes can occur any time of day, but most occur between 4–9 p.m.
Where
Tornadoes are a global phenomenon. However, according to NOAA, they are most likely to occur in the United States, especially in the Central Plains, east of the Rocky Mountains and west of the Appalachians. This is where the term “tornado alley” comes from. But keep in mind, tornadoes can and do occur in any of the 50 states, which is why every church and school should have an emergency plan and protocols in place.
How
It is critical to monitor the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. If a tornado watch is issued, weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe weather. If a tornado warning is issued, a tornado has been reported and there is significant threat to life and property. If you notice storm clouds, large hailstones, a dark greenish sky, a funnel, or a continuous loud roar, a tornado may be approaching, and it is important to seek shelter and monitor the NOAA Storm Prediction Center.3
Taking Steps for Preparedness
Emergency preparedness can seem tedious. However, through education and planning, your community can transform. Explore our tornado drill resources here, and talk to your account executive about your coverage. Through awareness, emergency planning, and adequate coverage, you can be part of a growing movement for safe and effective ministries.
References
- Speck, E. (2024, March 20). “Our building is gone but our church is not”: Indiana Church leveled by EF-3 Tornado. FOX Weather. https://www.foxweather.com/extreme-weather/our-building-is-gone-but-our-church-is-not-indiana-church-leveled-by-ef-3-tornad
- Tornado Basics. NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory. (n.d.). https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/tornadoes/
- Thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning... National Weather Service. (n.d.). https://www.weather.gov/media/owlie/ttl6-10.pdf
