It’s that time of year again… Tornado season. Are you
prepared for it? Do you have a basement or a storm shelter? If not, do you know
the safest place in your home to go?
Here are some helpful tips to prepare for tornado season:
1.
If you don’t have a basement or a storm shelter,
know where the safest place in your home is to take cover. (If you live in a
mobile home, make sure you know the closest shelter. The force of a tornado is
something that a mobile home cannot with stand so do not stay there.)
a.
Closet
b.
Bathtub
c.
An interior room without windows
d.
Lowest floor in your home
e.
Hallway
2.
Have an overnight bag ready with 2 or 3 days’
worth of clothes just in case you are not able to stay in your home because of
a tornado.
3.
Stay up to date with the latest storm
information. Most TV stations have apps that you can upload to your phone, in
case the electricity goes out. You can set the app to text you with any weather
updates as well.
4.
Make sure your phone is charged and you have
your charger with you.
5.
Have your shoes on. Sturdy shoes are best in
case you have to trample through debris.
6.
It’s best to have cash, just in case phone lines are
down and you’re not able to use a credit card.
7.
Meteorologist are pretty good about warning the
area of bad weather. When they do, head to the gas station and fill your car up
with gas.
8.
Watch vs. Warning alerts:
a.
Tornado Watch – There is a possibility that a
tornado may develop in the area. Stay alert and make sure you are ready if a
warning is issued.
b.
Tornado Warning – This indicates that either one
has been sighted or one has developed on a weather radar. Have your supplies
ready, get to a safe place and hunker down.
9.
Make sure you are current with your home owners
insurance before tornado season.
10.
Stay calm.
It’s also
important to know what to look for during tornado season:
1.
Dark, often green sky
2.
Hail
3.
Big, dark low lying clouds (watch for rotation
with these)
4.
Funnel cloud(s)
5.
Roaring noise, often describe to sound like a
train
6.
Flying debris
We obviously
can’t control the weather so why not be proactive. Make a check list, stay updated with the
weather on your phone or TV, and stay calm.
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