Key Takeaways:
- You must have a plan in place. Know where you will take shelter and have a reliable way to receive weather alerts.
- It is also important to stock up on supplies, including non-perishable food, water, and first aid supplies.
- Seek a space in the lowest level of your home or office and get away from windows.
- Stay in your car with your seatbelt fastened and your head down below the window level. Avoid overpasses and power lines.
A tornado storm can be a very frightening event. It is important to be prepared before one hits your home and know what to do during and after the storm. This blog post has outlined what you need to do to stay safe during a storm.
What Is a Tornado & What Are The Dangers Associated With It?
A tornado is a spiraling column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. It creates disaster and is known as one of the most dangerous weather events because of its high wind speeds and potential for causing damage and destruction. The average tornado has wind speeds of around 100-300 miles per hour. Severe forms may even have 500 miles per hour.
Tornadoes can cause significant damage to buildings, uproot trees, and throw debris through the air. They can also cause injuries and fatalities if people are caught in them.
Tornadoes have many dangers, and taking the necessary steps to stay safe during severe weather is important!
What To Do If You’re in A Tornado Storm Area?
If your area receives a lot of natural disasters, it is important to be prepared if one should strike.
Before The Storm:
- Secure loose outdoor items like lawn furniture, garbage cans, and toys.
- Bring pets inside and put them in a safe place.
- Close and brace all doors leading outside.
- Close blinds or curtains over windows.
- If time permits, move to an interior room on the lowest level of your home, such as a basement or closet.
- If you have a tornado shelter, go there now.
During The Storm:
- If you are in a building, go to the lowest level and get under a sturdy piece of furniture such as a table/desk.
- Cover yourself with something to protect yourself from flying debris, such as a mattress or blankets. Stay away from windows.
- If you are in a vehicle, get out and find a low-lying area such as a ditch or culvert. Lie flat and cover your head with your hands. Do not stay in your vehicle.
- If you are outdoors, find a low-lying area and lie flat on the ground, covering your head with your hands.
After the storm:
- Listen to local news reports for information on where to find shelter or how to return home safely.
- Do not touch any downed power lines.
- Inspect your home for damage & make any necessary repairs.
Related: Its tornado season—here’s how to prepare.
Warning Signs
These storms are often most prevalent in the spring and early summer, but they can happen anytime. A tornado is a vortex of air that reaches from a thunderstorm to the ground. They typically form in areas of strong thunderstorms, known as supercells.
Some warning signs that a tornado may be forming include:
- A dark or greenish sky
- Large hail
- A large, dark, low-lying cloud
- A loud roar similar to that of a freight train
If you see any warning signs, take shelter immediately and wait for the storm to pass.
Tips to Prepare for a Storm!
1. Have An Emergency Kit Ready
An emergency kit is one of the most crucial things to do. This kit should include food, water, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and batteries. A list of emergency contacts in your kit is also a good idea if you need to evacuate your home.
2. Stay Alert
Another important thing to do in preparation is to stay alert. This means keeping an eye on the sky and listening to the radio or television for updates from the National Weather Service. If you see or hear a tornado approaching, take shelter immediately.
3. Know Where to Go
If you are inside when the storm strikes, it is important to know where to go. The best place to take shelter is in a basement or an interior room on the lowest level of your home. If you cannot access your basement, try to find a small room away from windows (like a closet or a bathroom)
4. Protect Yourself
Once you are in your shelter, protecting yourself from flying debris is important. Cover yourself with a blanket or mattress & protect your head and neck with your hands. If possible, stay away from windows as they can be broken by flying debris.
5. Stay Calm
Remember that most tornado storms only last for a few minutes, and if you take shelter quickly, you will be safe. Try to stay calm and breathe slowly until the tornado has passed.
6. Check For Injuries
Once it has passed, check yourself and others for injuries. Call 9-1-1 immediately if there’s a serious injury. If there are no serious injuries, assess your home and property damage.
Conclusion
These storms are devastating weather events that can cause significant damage and fatalities. It’s crucial to be aware of the dangers and take steps to stay safe during severe weather.
Related: 6 Mistakes To Avoid In A Roofing Repair Project
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