How Should I Prepare for a Tornado?
Take a look at these few safety tips.
“It’s a twister! It’s a twister!” I think we can all take a powerful lesson from Dorothy in the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz. Poor Dorothy was on her way home, trying to outrun a tornado that was sweeping across the field near her house. While her family wisely made it to the storm cellar, the winds were too strong for her to yank the door open. So, what did Dorothy do? She ran into her room and foolishly walked right up to her bedroom window. Big mistake! The window came flying into the room and bonked her on the head, creating one crazy dream that became an instant blockbuster classic.
Dorothy wasn’t prepared for a tornado, but after reading this blog, hopefully, you will be. Let’s look at a few safety tips to help prepare for the next tornado.
Prepare in advance
This might sound obvious, and if you’re reading this blog, you’re taking a great first step. The truth is, in the chaos of a storm, simple things like travel and communication become difficult or impossible. The best time to prepare for a tornado is now!
Know the signs
Be prepared to spot a potential tornado before it creates havoc. Look for rotating, funnel-shaped clouds, or an approaching cloud of debris.
Stock up
Make sure you have an emergency response kit. Be sure you’re always prepared with a first aid kit, non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, radio, etc. You never know what you might need.
Sign up for your community’s warning system
Know what sirens may go off in your community, and be sure to sign up for the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
Get to a shelter
Whenever possible, get to a secure building as soon as possible. Be sure your family knows exactly where to be during a tornado. The safest places are generally a basement or a storm cellar. If neither of these options are available, the next safest place is an interior room on the first floor of the house, away from windows. You don’t want to be cut by glass or bonked on the head like Dorothy.