Natural disasters are one of the things that you just don’t have control over. Disasters come and go without warning and nothing can be done about it but trying to cope and prepare. Tornadoes are one such disaster, and it’s critical that one knows how to prepare for these devastating storms in order to survive. Tornadoes are strong winds that are part of severe thunderstorms. They are whirling, funnel-shaped winds that can reach speeds up to a 300 mph, and cause vast destruction as they move. The damaging effects of tornadoes can happen in a matter of seconds, which is why it’s important that you’re always prepared by following these tips. If you’re looking for tips on how to prepare for a tornado, look no further.
Safety Tips
• Prepare for tornadoes by gathering emergency supplies including food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights, important documents, road maps, and a full tank of gasoline.
• When a tornado approaches, anyone in its path should take shelter indoors—preferably in a basement or an interior first-floor room or hallway.
• Avoid windows and seek additional protection by getting underneath large, solid pieces of furniture.
• Avoid automobiles and mobile homes, which provide almost no protection from tornadoes.
• Those caught outside should lie flat in a depression or on other low ground and wait for the storm to pass.
Dedicate a safe place in your home
This is some protective area that you and your family can run to whenever the experts announce the coming of a tornado in your area. If you don’t have a basement or storm cellar, bathtubs and rooms without windows are good options. You should always keep an emergency kit in this dedicated safe place. In the kit should be a number of things that can sustain you and your family for at least three days running. This includes food supplies, especially the non-perishable kind. Storing medicines and first aid equipment may come in handy in case anyone is injured and there is no way to get to hospital immediately. The other things that can easily be stored in the kit are important documents that you can never afford to lose.
Create a plan of action and practice its execution beforehand
Being alert and prepared puts you in the best possible position when forces of nature are out of your control. For this reason it is important that you come up with a plan of action for what to do if a tornado is nearby. Involve your family in discussions of where you will get shelter during the storm and rehearse as if it is already happening. This is important since in the real incidence, every member of your family will be aware of escape routes and the necessary steps of actions to take. You should also establish some way of contacting relatives who are nearby so that once the storm passes, you can let each other know if you’re okay or if you need help. Also, know the location of important tools like fire extinguishers and first aid kits, and keep them in a place where you can quickly and easily retrieve them. If you have any important items in storage, make sure they’re off the ground to avoid damage from any possible flooding.
Maintain trees and shrubs in your yard
It is crucial that the trees in your home be strong and firm. This is to prevent them from falling on your house during the storm. You should check your trees for weak branches and disease throughout the year so that you can remove them from your yard before a tornado strikes to minimize the level of destruction.
Stay tuned to radio stations and televisions
This is for the purposes of keeping updated. The local weather experts dealing with this situation usually release progressive reports on the local news channels updating residents on the situation on the ground. Therefore, it helps if you are informed each step of the way. This way, you are in a better position of protecting your family as soon as the warning goes off.
While it is obvious that damage from this strong winds is inevitable, there are measures that you can take toward ensuring that you protect your home and family in such unavoidable calamities. Since these storms are area specific and are more frequent during certain times, it is important that you plan and stay prepared. Read our guide on how to prepare for a tornado and other natural disasters for even more tips.
