How to Overcome a Fear of Tornados

There is a shroud of mystery around tornados that breeds fear. This is completely understandable considering they only make headlines when someone is hurt or houses are leveled. There are however, many tornados that touch down throughout the year in fields or that cause little if any damage. Approximately 800 tornados touch down in the United States each year and only 2 percent of those are considered violent. With a little education and some preparation, a fear of tornados can be managed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio
• Extra blankets
• Bottled water
• Charged cell phone

1. Research tornados and find out when and how they form. Also look up where the high-risk areas are and the odds for injury or death. For example, according to the Livescience website, U.S. residents only have a 1 in 60,000 chance of dying from a tornado, versus a 1 in 100 chance in an automobile accident. Education is power, and the more you know the better you will feel.
2. Accept the fact that a tornado is out of your control, but that your ability to prepare for one is completely attainable.
3. Purchase a NOAA weather radio, set to a local frequency and have it on at all times. The radio will sound an alarm during a watch or warning and give detailed information about the storm.
4. Have a plan. Designate a safe spot, such as the basement or an interior room without windows, and go there as soon as a watch or warning is issued.
5. Store extra blankets, canned goods, can opener and bottled water in your safe room.
6. Keep your cell phone charged and with you at all times before and during a storm.

Tips & Warnings

• If the thought of tornados still causes anxiety, consider joining a support group or find friends who share your fear and talk about your feelings together.
• Tornados can happen any day of the year, so be alert during every storm even if there isn't a tornado watch or warning.