For many, if not all, the idea of a tornado is just frightening. Whirling winds that are capable of knocking down and destroying everything in its path is not something anyone wants to encounter. And yet, each year hundreds of tornados happen causing millions of dollars of damage and, sadly, loss of life.
When you have something that can come unexpectedly and be so dangerous, it is important that steps be taken to prepare. Even if it is unpredictable, having a plan and supplies can make a huge difference. In this guide, we look to help you prepare for a tornado.
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What is the Difference Between a Tornado Warning and a Tornado Watch?
Before we discuss what to do during a tornado, it is important to explain the difference between a tornado warning and a tornado watch. These two alerts seem similar, but understanding the meaning will lead to different actions.
According to NOAA.gov:
- Tornado Watch: Be Prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
- Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.
There you have it. A watch calls for preparation and a warning means take action. Let’s now discuss what to do during a tornado.
Make an Emergency Plan
Making a plan is often one of the most overlooked areas when preparing for a tornado or any storm. However, having a plan in place, especially if you live in a tornado-prone area, will have everyone in the family ready to go.
Here are some things that should be included in your emergency plan:
- Emergency phone numbers.
- Emergency supply list. If you don’t want to spend the time creating your own go bag, buy one instead.
- Place to go in the event of an emergency. This can include a shelter or the home of relative or friend. Make sure others know of your intentions just in case they can’t call you, they can know where you might be.
Go over this emergency plan as a family. It might be helpful to review this emergency plan yearly.
Gather Supplies
On this website, we speak about the importance of having a go bag and help prepare you to do so. Here are a list of items you should have on hand.
- Food
- Water
- First Aid
- Power Supplies
- Lighting
- Shelter
- Fire extinguisher
- Important documents
- Activities for kids
For a more detailed list of items to have, please visit the checklist or buy a emergency go bag.
Stay Informed
During a tornado watch or warning, weather conditions are constantly changing. In order to have the most up-to-date information, pay attention to changing weather conditions in your area. Check out reports on TV, the internet, or the radio.
When there is a storm, tornados can strike rapidly without much warning. Be sure to look out for the signs of a tornado including:
- Hail
- Loud roar that sounds like a freight train
- A dark sky
- Large, dark low-lying clouds
Take decisive action to take cover immediately and stay informed if you see any of these conditions.
Know Where To Shelter
During a tornado, it is best to go to a basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floor. If possible, get under something sturdy and cover yourself with a blanket, mattress, or sleeping bag.
What if you live in a mobile home? If you live in a mobile home, make plans to relocate. Going to a nearby building, a hotel, or a neighbor’s home is preferable. Tornados are strong enough to lift a mobile home, so staying put should not be an option.
After The Tornado Has Passed
First, check yourself for injuries. Afterwards, check others for injuries. Render first aid as needed. In some cases, physical injuries are not the only thing to address. The emotional toll can greatly effect us and others. If we find that to be the case, do not ignore.
Be careful when walking around any broken glass or debris. Be sure to check for any downed powerlines as these can be dangerous and even fatal if touched.
Take time to review any damage that has occurred to your home. Remember that these are only physical things and that your health and safety is the most important thing. Be sure to contact the insurance company with a detailed description of the damage.
Tornado Preparation
No one wants to think about natural disasters and the damage they will bring. However, taking time to think about the potential damage and planning can put us in a position to stay safe. Safety is the most important thing. So prepare your go bag and follow the steps outlined in this article. It is our hope that if faced with such a disaster, these reminders will keep you and your loved ones safe and ready.