How to Be Prepared for a Tornado

There is nothing more devastating than to be caught unprepared in an emergency. In Tornado emergencies, it is not always the actual impact of the storm that is your worse fear, but during the aftermath also. You must be prepared and have a plan to improve your chances of being safe.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• No less than three gallons of water per person.
• Canned food, can opener and non perishable foods.
• Protective clothing, bedding and blankets, or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for an infant, the elderly, or a disabled family member.

1. First choose a place where your family members will meet if a tornado is headed your way. This will most likely be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this space ready at all time, with your Survival Kits which we will explain in detail later.

2. If you are in a high-rise building, there may not be time to go to the lowest floor, so find a place in a hallway in the center floors of the building.

3. If you are outside and cannot get into a basement of a nearby sturdy building, then lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.

4. If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety.

5. Regardless of your location, make sure that you are safe from flying glass and debris.

6. Here is a list of items to be included in your Disaster Supplies Kit
   
   First aid kit and essential medications.
   No less than three gallons of water per person.
   Canned food and can opener and non perishable foods.
   Protective clothing, bedding and blankets, or sleeping bags.
   Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
   Special items for an infant, the elderly, or a disabled family member.

7. After the Tornado Passes...
   Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area. Your presence will not help, and could hamper emergency vehicle traffic.
   Turn off utilities if Officials recommend this for safety.

Tips & Warnings

• Listen to the radio for information and instructions, and stay inside until it is announced safe to venture outside.
• Inspect your home for damage and call your Insurance company as soon as possible.
• Do not use candles at any time. If a fire starts, there may be no Emergency crews available for some time.

[Blackbear]

on 2/19/2008 Once again....great article Jill!

[MidniteWriter]

on 2/15/2008 I liked the last warning the best. This will help many to be prepared! 5 stars. Very timely article!

[MidniteWriter]

on 2/15/2008 This will help many to be prepared, very timely! Thank you for this.

I like your last tip the best, never thought of that!