Being prepared now will help you to avoid panic and confusion should a disaster strike later.
Tornados are very dangerous and the best way to stay safe is to always be ready to act quickly. Don’t wait for the next storm to arrive to start to think about how to keep yourself and your family safe.
You should plan and practice ahead of time how and where your family will take shelter. Here are seven tips that will help you to create a storm safety plan:
1. Designate a safe place in your house where all your family members will go if a tornado strikes.
The place should be in the middle of your house, and on the lowest floor with no glass doors and windows. If you do not have a storm shelter, the safest place is underground, like in the basement of your house.
If you don’t have a basement in your house, consider putting as many walls as possible between your family and the exterior walls, like closets, central bathrooms, or hallways.
If you are living in a mobile home, you should not stay inside. Instead, go to a storm shelter or sturdy outbuilding. Never assume that a mobile home will survive a severe storm.
2. Install a storm shelter.
Undeniably, storm shelters provide the safest protection against storms. Several different types of storm shelters are available.
Above ground storm shelters, often modular, are some of the most versatile options. Such storm shelters can be easily installed in your existing home or even garage. There are also many different size options to suit a large or small family.
3. Know what the storm warning sounds like in your area.
Some cities and towns have warning sirens. Other warnings can come from local radio stations or television and cable stations.
A battery-operated radio should be your main source of information if there is possibility of a power outage.
Also, ensure that your children know the warnings and how to react.
4. Designate two places where you and your family members will meet after the storm has passed should you be separated by the disaster.
One of the locations should be near your house, but far away from any damages that may be caused by the storm. Another place should be some distance away, in case the first site is not available.
5. Conduct a drill periodically.
This helps you to be sure that all your loved ones know what to do, and where to go if a tornado truly strikes.
For instance, moving to a storm shelter should be your first action. You should also discuss what to do in the case that a family member is away from your home, at a workplace, store or school, when the disaster strikes.
6. Make sure you have an emergency supply kit.
The kit should include flashlights, food items (non-perishable and do no need heat to prepare), extra batteries, water, and first aid items.
Every family member should have a gallon of water daily. You should also keep a small version of your emergency kit in the trunk of your vehicle, should there be a need to evacuate your home.
7. Continue monitoring radio, and television announcements.
These stations will give you important information that you will need regarding road conditions, support efforts, and rescue. Pay attention to any information announced.
These are seven storm safety tips that you should know if you live in a tornado-prone area, to ensure that all your family members are prepared if a disaster strikes.
