Do you live in an area that is prone to tornadoes?
If you do, are you prepared for them? Unfortunately, many individuals are not. Many experts claim that tornadoes are increasing in numbers, as well as intensity. That is why you should always be prepared for a tornado, just in case.
When it comes to preparing for a tornado, one of the many steps that you will want to take involves knowing your risks. Do you live in an area that is commonly referred to as a “Tornado Alley?” If you do, tornadoes should always be on your mind, especially during the spring, summer, and fall months. With that in mind, it is also important to remember that tornadoes do not discriminate. Almost all of the states in the United States have fallen victim to tornados before. Even if the tornadoes that do strike your area are small or low in intensity, it is still best to be prepared.
Another one of the many steps you will want to take involves developing a plan with your family. This plan should include which room you will all retreat to in the event of a tornado warning or even a watch. Usually, a basement is the safest place to be. With that in mind, if your home does not have a basement, you will want to retreat to an interior room, namely one that does not have windows. Make sure that all of your family members know of this plan. It may also be a good idea to alert an offsite family member of your plan. In the event that your home is destroyed, rescue workers and your family should know where to find you if you cannot make it out your own.
Gathering all needed supplies is another one of the many ways that you can prepare for a tornado or at least tornado season. If your above mentioned tornado preparation plan involves retreating to your basement, you will want to gather your supplies and store them there. If your plan involves retreating into an interior room, you will still want to gather all needed supplies, but store them nearby, such as in a nearby closet or cabinet. The supplies that you may want to have on hand include a little bit of water, non-perishable snacks, such as crackers, as well as a weather radio and working flashlights.
As previously stated, it is advised that you have a weather radio, especially if you live in “Tornado Alley.” Weather radios have broadcast weather announcements and alerts, especially during severe weather. These updates and alerts can, literally, be lifesaving for those in the middle of tornado activity. In addition to standard battery operated weather radios, you can also purchase those that include a built in clock, AM/FM radio, as well as a flashlight. Weather radios can easily be purchased, for an affordable price, from most sports stores, department stores, as well as online.
The above mentioned preparation steps are just a few of the many that you may want to take, should you live in an area that sees its fair share of tornadoes. As a reminder, it is important to always stay updated on what is happening outdoors. In many areas, especially the Midwest, a simple thunderstorm can spawn a tornado, often times in a matter of minutes. For that reason, you will always want to keep your eyes and ears open.
