Staying Safe During Tornado Season – Top Tips

This coming spring and summer are predicted to be a very active tornado season. However, even if an active season is not in the forecast, tornadoes are notoriously unpredictable and can strike with little warning. The most sophisticated weather equipment still sometimes fails to predict tornadoes.

The best way to stay safe is to be informed. So here are some tips on how you can stay safe this tornado season.

Locate Shelters

Find out where your local shelter area is, especially if you do not have access to a basement or other safe area in your house. Locate it during clear weather or in the off-season, when it’s not an emergency. Ask about their procedures and make sure you are familiar with them. Find out if they accept pets in carriers – some shelters will accept pets only if they are in the proper containers (and some won’t accept them at all).

Watches versus Warnings

If you are not used to the way watches and warnings work, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the terminology. A tornado watch means that conditions are right for a tornado to form – it’s a possibility, in other words. A tornado warning means an actual tornado has been sighted, either on radar or in the field. A warning is more urgent than a watch, but both warrant your attention.

Emergency Kits

Have a kit handy to take with you to a shelter or keep it in your basement. The kit should have water, a flashlight, non-perishable foods, a battery-operated radio and a change of clothes. If you have pets, your kit should include food and water for them, too, and collapsible water and food bowls. The kit should cover a minimum of three days’ worth of supplies and should be packed in duffle bags or something similar that can be grabbed by each family member (every family member should have his or her own kit).

Check Your Insurance

Before a tornado strikes, find out what your homeowner’s insurance policy or renter’s insurance says about tornado damage. Find out how much the insurance company will cover in the event of tornado damage, and expand your coverage if necessary and possible.

Get Together with Your Neighbors

Find out what your neighbors’ tornado preparedness plan is. If they don’t have one, encourage them to come up with one along with you. In fact, having your neighbors in on your plan can make a huge difference – it’s sort of like a neighborhood watch for weather. So try to join with others in your community, and find out what everyone can contribute (one neighbor may offer to let you take cover in his or her basement, for instance, if you don’t have one).

Make sure your family knows where you’ll meet up, too, if you’re separated when a tornado hits.

 That’s it for now. Until next time Divas, wear your heels well and Be Blessed!

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