Being Prepared For A Tornado, Before and After A Disaster
Tornados are in full swing around the States. Landing in Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas and Georgia, these large rotating columns can cause serious damage to property and land. This is why being prepared for a tornado is essential in order to keep you and your family safe. Below is a checklist on the things to do to prepare before and after a tornado.
Being Prepared For a Tornado
– Always stay informed when it comes to storms. Even if there is not a threat of a tornado, listen to your local radio or television stations to stay informed of conditions. Tornado storm updates can change quickly. Always have the news or radio on to keep safe.
– Understand the type of warning system in your town. Become familiar with the sounds of the warning; generally towns test the sirens once a month in warmer seasons.
– Know which part of your home is meant for shelter. This can be a crawlspace, basement, bathroom or any place further within the home and away from windows. Educate your children of this spot and how to work together in case you are not home. Evacuation drills are good practice for smaller children.
– Always have a first aid kit available. An easily accessible kit will allow you to always have it during emergencies.
– Keep your outside landscape maintained. During high winds, trees and limbs can easily fall on your home causing extensive damage. If you keep you trees trimmed and healthy, it is less likely they will fall during strong winds.
– If there is a tornado warning, remember to secure all objects outside of the home. Lawn furniture and planters can be easily tossed around in winds. Protect your home by moving them against a wall or within a shed.
– If caught outside, seek shelter under a sturdy structure, preferably one lower than street level.
– If you are caught within your car and do not have time to drive to shelter, fasten your seatbelt tightly, lower your body as far as you can and cover your head with a blanket or clothing. Try driving to an area lower than the road, such as a ditch.
Being aware of the weather signs will help you better prepare yourself for a tornado.
– Check for funnel clouds
– Dark green or yellowish clouds
– Wall clouds
These weather signs will help you better identify a threatening storm that is headed your way.
After A Tornado
– Once a tornado has passed, continue to listen to local reports to make sure it is clear to leave your home.
– This is a good time to assess any injuries to you or your family. The first aid kit should come in handy with small abrasions and wounds. If anyone is seriously injured, locate authorities or local hospitals.
– Once you exit your home, make sure you are wearing proper clothing and shoes. There may be a lot of debris you have to step on.
– Be aware of fallen power lines and standing water. Report live lines to authorities as soon as possible.
– If you smell gas, open all windows and leave your home immediately. Call authorities at once.
– If damage is extensive, remove all flammable liquids to prevent further damage.
– Make sure to take pictures of all damages for insurance purposes.
Being prepared for a tornado is vitally important in order to keep your family safe. If you experience a natural disaster such as a tornado and need restoration assistance, find a local repair company near you today.