Prepare for Tornadoes

If you live in an area that is prone to tornadoes, be sure that you know how to be prepared and stay safe.

Preparation is the best defense. There are some simple things you can do and decisions you can make now that will help keep your family safe during a storm.

Here are some tips to help you get organized, protect your family and your home and stay ahead of the storm.

Get organized

The best time to plan for disaster is when you are calm and safe. Take some basic precautions now and be organized and prepared when the need arises.

• Contact your insurance company to ensure that you have enough coverage in the event of damage from a storm.

• Make sure that your home emergency kit is up to date at all times. Keep your emergency kit near or in your chosen safety zone in case you need items like a radio or first aid kit during or after the storm.

• Make sure that you keep a home inventory (written or by video or photographs of the contents of each room) with your vital papers, in a safety box.

• Designate several safety zones and be sure every member of your family knows where they are. Knowing where to go and getting there quickly are crucial to staying safe during a storm.

Tornadoes typically occur without much notice, leaving little time to prepare. On top of that, they can be very unpredictable in their paths. The best thing that you can do to protect yourself is seek shelter immediately.

Choose a Tornado Safety Zone

The best place to go is a tornado shelter or safe room (a room specially designed and built to withstand storm forces).

If you have a storm shelter or safety room, be sure that it is stocked and ready at all times. Your storm shelter or safe room is the perfect place to keep your emergency kit.

If you do not have a shelter or safe room go to the lowest level of your house.

If you do not have a basement, go to the centermost area of your home, away from windows or other glass. A hallway, doorway, closet or bathroom are good choices.

If possible, get underneath a large sturdy piece of furniture or cover yourself with a mattress or blankets to protect against flying debris.

Make sure each family member is aware of the designated safety zone.

If you are outside when a warning is issued you should seek shelter immediately. If no shelter is available go to the lowest area possible and lie down.

If you are in your car or a mobile home when a warning is issued, get out immediately and find either proper shelter or a low-lying area.

If a storm does strike, do not come out of your safety zone until you are advised by authorities that it is safe to do so.

Know the Risk

A tornado watch means that weather conditions are right and a storm is possible.

When a watch is issued you should pay careful attention to the weather reports. Watches can turn into warnings with little or no notice. Be ready to seek shelter.

A tornado warning means that a funnel has been spotted in your area.

When a warning is issued you should seek shelter immediately. Use your battery-operated radio from your emergency kit to stay tuned to the weather reports.

Know the Drill

Once you have chosen your safety zone and you have taught your family members how to prepare for a storm, practice with regular drills.

Practicing what to do will help to reinforce the plan so that your loved ones will be able to act quickly, without panicking in the event of disaster.