We are here once again. Another tornado Season and the ones who live in Tornado Alley know very well that nothing can be done against Mother Nature, other than being prepared and ready to take cover.
Don’t be complacent when a tornado is heading your way. By that time it’s usually too late to make a plan.
Designate a “Shelter Area” in your home. For a Home that is not a Trailer move to the lowest level of the house such as a basement or under a stairway. When you have no basement available use the smallest room or hallway on the lowest level and put as many walls between you and the storm. The place you choose needs to be away from windows.
When your home is a Mobile home, you need to find a designated storm shelter. A mobile home, even when tied down, will offer little or no protection during a tornado.
Buy a weather radio or download a weather app to your smart phone.
Assemble a “Disaster Supplies Kit”. The American Red Cross recommends a “disaster supplies kit” containing the following items:
• A first aid kit with essential supplies and medication
• A battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
• Canned and other non-perishable foods. Don’t forget a hand-operated can opener
• Bottled water
• Candles and matches
• Sturdy shoes and work gloves
• Cash and credit cards
• Copies of vital paperwork like driver’s license, birth certificates, insurance papers, credit cards, vehicle keys, medical cards…..
Know the Difference between a watch and a warning.
• A tornado watch means that weather conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. Stay alert and keep tuned in for further advisories.
• A tornado warning means that a tornado has actually been sighted. Warnings are issued for individual counties and include the tornado’s location, direction and speed.
Do not try to outrun a tornado with a vehicle. Take shelter when a Tornado Warning has been issued. Tornado “watching” is best left up to the professional.