There are many things that you can do at any time to prepare for a tornado. Many of these will also help you plan for any other variety of emergency.
Create a kit: Make sure you have basic disaster supplies on hand and easily accessible. These supplies should include:
• Flashlight• Extra batteries
• Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries or other alternative energy powered radio
• First-aid kit
• First-aid manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes
Develop an emergency communication plan: In case family members are separated from one another during a tornado (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact". Make sure everyone in the family knows your plan and how to reach your out-of-state contact.
Tornado Watches and Warnings: Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.
•A tornado watch issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is time to remind family members where the safest places within your home are located,and listen to the radio or television for further developments.
•A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
Mobile Homes: Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance from the unit.
Tornado Danger Signs: According to FEMA, there are some danger signs that you should look for:
• Dark, often greenish sky
• Large hail
• A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
• Loud roar, similar to a freight train
If you notice any of these signs, or there is a tornado warning in your area, be prepared to Replace safe shelter immediately.
6 comments
Anonymous
If you have an interior bathroom at the center of the house you can get in the tub with pillows over your head. Also if there is time raise some windows a bit to preven t an implosion. That's what we do here in Georgia. I hate tornadoes. I saw one pass over my house a few years ago. I thank God it had not touched down or else I would not be writing this post.
Marsha
With the high incidence of tornadoes and strong storms around the country, this is an important preparedness step! We just added a radio to our supplies and are thinking of getting a second one for a go bag.
M
I just bought two of your trekker 2 kits. That'll be a big help.
Charlie
Most of this is nothing new here in Oklahoma. What I would add: If you have an underground storm cellar, try to store your storm supplies there. At least keep a battery powered lantern and an AM/FM radio where you can easily reach them on the way into the shelter.
We staged our supplies in the cellar – and found ourselves using it an hour later! Thankfully the tornado missed our neighborhood, but it was good to be ready. We didn't have to deal with the extra stress of gathering gear at the last minute.
Emergency Essentials®
deerie-
The Kaito Voyager radio is a great option for a radio with a weather band. You can find it on our website here: http://beprepared.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_CM R975
deerie65775
I am interested in getting one of those radios that just do weather and turn on automatically if there are warnings in your area.. I've heard of these, but no idea where to get my hands on one.