High storm season usually comes around spring in most areas of the country, and we are constantly being warned that tornados can come at any time on any day. While it is true that high storm season usually takes place in the spring and early summer, the fact that tornados can happen year round in some places actually makes twisters a threat all year long.

Instead of sharing a lot of facts about tornados, let’s discuss what you can do for your family in preparation for tornado season (and any severe weather threat for that matter).

Basic Preparedness

Watch the Sky

• Be aware of changing weather patterns in your area. Don’t wait for the green sky effect to decide that it’s time to take shelter. Do your research and find out what bad weather looks like and respond accordingly. Keep all lines of communication open such as a television, cell phone (make sure it is charged ahead of time) and a weather radio.

Have Bug Out Bags Prepped

• Make sure to have “bug out” or “go” bags ready to supply you for at least three days in the event of having to evacuate your storm shelter because of damage to your house. This should be one of the first things you prep. If you have severe damage to your house, having your emergency “bug out” bag ready to go can give you peace of mind until you are able to get back into your house or to a more permanent shelter.

Make Sure Your Car Is Ready To Go

• You are going to need to ensure that your car is at the ready with a full tank of gas and an emergency preparedness kit.

Severe Weather Preparedness

Communication

• Having a radio to listen to is super important because you may not always have power for the television or your internet connection. You will also want to make sure you’ve alerted family who may still be out and about and not aware of the situation. Have your cellphone loaded with emergency apps that can help you in the case of a power outage.

Light

• Keep flashlights handy in several locations throughout your house as power outages are more prevalent in severe weather. It is recommended that you keep flashlights next to your bed, bathrooms, living areas and by the front and back doors. If you want to be extra prepped, have large flashlights, oil lamps and camp lanterns ready for use at all times.

Seek Shelter

• If you do not have a basement, find a room in your house that is centrally located (away from outer walls and windows) that you can hide in. Make sure an emergency kit is stored there in case of injuries. Also, have a mattress at the ready – they make excellent covers! The safest place to go would be a storm shelter that you have installed in your home. There are many above and below ground models on the market today.

Practice Makes Perfect

• As important as having things to prepare you, having a plan of action is just as important – as well as practicing that plan of action. When threat levels of a tornado kicks into high gear, practice your family emergency drills. Your kids should know what to get and where to go.

When Not At Home

Communications

• Because you aren’t at home, you must rely on situational awareness to notice the changing weather. Be sure you have your cell phone updated with apps to alert you, and your radio on to listen to local announcements.

Find Shelter

Find somewhere to shelter from the tornado as it moves through. Not only do you have to worry about the actual tornado, you have to also worry about straight line winds, hail, limited visibility and the other people on the road who aren’t paying attention to any of those things and are creating a nuisance. Your best bet is to find a building to shelter in. Here are some of the most recommended places:

• Restaurant Rest Rooms
• Restaurant Walk-in Freezers
• Business Storage & Utility Rooms

Always remember to stay as low to the ground as you can, covered and away from any windows or outside doors. If you are in your car and can get to a safe building, do so. If you can see the tornado moving, drive in the opposite direction. If you cannot see it moving (or it gets bigger), you’re in the direct path and need to get safe.

The Aftermath

Debris

• After the tornado passes, make sure you are aware of the debris around you. Structures may not be sound, there can be loose wood, metal, nails, broken glass, etc., to bring additional harm. Be careful, but get yourself safe.

Triage

• Assess the situation – make sure everyone you are with is okay or determine their need of emergency care and take care of what you can. Of course, some wounds may be more than you can handle. In that case find help immediately.

Power Lines

• Be sure to watch for broken power lines or open areas where wiring may have been exposed and damaged or submerged in water.

Get to Safety

• As quickly as you can, get you and your loved ones to safety. If you can, help those near you to also get to safety, without putting anyone at risk.
  This article was brought to you by Ground Zero Storm Shelters. Ground Zero Shelters are the most innovative tornado shelters on the market today. All of their models have been thoroughly tested & exceed FEMA standards!

 

This article was brought to you by Ground Zero Storm Shelters. Ground Zero Shelters are the most innovative tornado shelters on the market today. All of their models have been thoroughly tested & exceed FEMA standards!

 

Source:americanpreppersnetwork.com