How to Prepare a Tornado Family Disaster Plan

Massive, well organized F4 tornado

Prepare a family tornado disaster plan. Tornadoes occur in many parts of the world yet these destructive forces of nature are found most frequently in the US, east of the Rocky Mountains, during the spring and summer months. A tornado is one of nature's most violent storms. In an average year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), about 1,000 tornadoes are reported across the United States resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. These natural disasters impart lessons at a very high cost of life and property. If those lessons do not lead to learning and knowledge than it is a very heavy cost to bear. It is each person's responsibility to be prepared for the worst weather nature hands out. Don't think ,"it won't happen to me!".

Instructions

1. 

   Tornado Safety Tips

   Preparation for natural disasters can be the difference between life and death, protection and vulnerability. The American Red Cross suggests some tornado safety tips. Find out what could happen to your family at home, work, school, or daycare. When you become familiar with the tornado emergency procedure there will be less reaction and more level heads when the tornado warning signal sounds. Make sure that even the youngest member of your family knows what that tornado signal sounds like and what it means.

2. 

   Create a Family Tornado Disaster Plan

   Each family member should know what their responsibility is to work as a team, have a plan for getting back together if separated, be familiar with escape routes, and where the shelter is in your home. Practice this plan. Another tip is to assemble a tornado disaster supply kit. Essential items include a first aid kit include essential medications and prescriptions, clothing and bedding, special items for babies, the elderly or disabled family members, sanitation items (soap, personal hygiene items, toilet paper, etc.), battery powered radio and flashlight, canned food (and opener), bottled water, work gloves, and information on how to turn off your home's utilities.

3. 

   Tornado Emergency Shelter Supplies

   A wise item to bring to your shelter when the tornado alarm sounds is your wallet/purse. If the worst does happen you have your identification and charge cards with you to make the disaster relief process easier. Look at your insurance coverage and make sure that it will meet your needs if you lose shingles or your entire home. A list of important numbers such as City Hall, other family members, hospital, insurance agent, etc. will be helpful. Store your tornado emergency kit in a convenient place known to all members of your household. Update and replace as necessary.

4. 

   Tornado Siren

   When a tornado watch is issued listen for further updates. Know where your family is and prepare to implement your natural disaster plan. When a warning is issued and the tornado siren sounds go to your meeting place/safe shelter and do not give in to the urge to go outside to watch and/or video tape the twister. With winds swirling 200 miles an hour or more, flying debris can be a danger. Listen for the all-clear siren or the radio before emmerging from your shelter. If your home or community was affected by the tornado the City's Emergency Management Plan will quickly be implemented. The Emergency Management Director will call the appropriate authorities including the Red Cross.

5. 

   American Red Cross

   The American Red Cross helps tornado victims by meeting their basic emergency needs, at no cost. You are responsible for your own recovery but the Red Cross will be there to guide you through the process. The assistance they can provide takes the form of shelter, food, clothing, first aid, help in finding other family members, and provides basic household items and bulk tornado relief supplies. Long-term recovery, mental health counseling, and referrals (how to contact FEMA, etc.) will assist you in the tornado recovery after most of the relief workers go home.

Tips & Warnings

• A tornado can, and will, create disasters in communities across the nation. Have a family tornado disaster plan in place to help keep your family safe and help recover from the tornado.

Resources

• How to Live On Reduced Family Income