OR RELEASE ON:  March 23, 2000

INSTITUTE DONATES TORNADO SAFETY MATERIALS TO OHIO SCHOOLS

COLUMBUS -- Over 735,000 elementary school students across the state are becoming tornado‑wise this spring through the efforts of the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII).  Elementary schools received 735,600 Tornado Tips activity sheets and 31,000 posters to assist students in understanding the basics of tornado safety.  Teachers also received 31,000 Tornado Safety Teacher's Guides to help them explain tornado safety procedures to children.  (Click here for a chart to support this statement in PDF format.)

"This is OII's 23rd year of distributing tornado safety materials to Ohio youths," stated Daniel J. Kelso, OII president.  "The Institute conducts this annual educational effort to encourage dialogue between teachers and elementary grade school children regarding safety procedures should tornadoes or severe thunderstorms strike."

The posters and activity sheets outline safe shelter locations in the home, school, car and public facilities should a tornado threaten.  The activity sheet includes a tornado safety coloring diagram and a crossword and word‑search puzzle to help school children learn proper tornado safety procedures.  "The back side of the full-size poster appeals to older and younger kids because it includes information, statistics and facts about tornadoes in the Buckeye state."

Another educational tool provided this year was the Tornado Safety Teacher's Guide.  Each guide contains a teacher's outline, highlights points to cover in class with kids and provides suggestions for in- and out-of-classroom activities.  "We've even listed some web sites for kids to research for additional tornado safety information."

"This program has been a life-saver," noted Kelso.  "During past tornadoes, children have directed their families to safe shelter by recalling information contained in the tornado safety materials."

The materials also explain weather terminology, such as the difference between a tornado "watch" and "warning," and the dangers of lightning.

According to National Weather Service statistics Ohio averages 16 tornadoes annually.  Last year 19 tornadoes occurred in Ohio and were responsible for four deaths.  "By learning where and when to seek safe shelter, we hope to save lives and prevent injuries should this disaster strike," Kelso concluded.

Members of the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness include: American Red Cross; National Weather Service; Ohio Departments of Education, Health and Natural Resources; state and local emergency management agencies; and OII.

The Ohio Insurance Institute is a public information and trade association representing insurance companies and agent groups for the property/casualty insurance industry.  A primary objective of the OII is to help Ohioans achieve a better understanding of insurance and related safety issues.  Free copies of the Tornado Tips posters, activity sheets, teacher's guides and a consumer brochure on tornado safety are available by contacting the OII at P.O. Box 816, Columbus, OH  43216-0816, or download copies of the brochure, activity sheet and teacher's guides from www.ohioinsurance.org.

- 30 -

Ohio county distribution figures are provided in the table on the other side of this release.  The tornado activity sheet that was distributed statewide is enclosed.  Materials can be obtained by contacting Deborah Lawlor at the OII (614/228-1593), or through email: deborahl@ohioinsurance.org.