Tips on Tornado Safety at Home

Tornadoes can produce wind speeds of more than 250 mph.

The United States sees more tornadoes every year than any other country, according to the Weather Channel. Tornadoes can occur in any state but are especially prevalent in the area of the country known as "Tornado Alley," stretching from Nebraska to Texas. A tornado can develop with very little warning and, in some cases, bring massive destruction. To ensure your family and home are safe during a tornado, prepare and plan ahead.

Choose a Safe Place

Designate a place in the home where family members will gather in the event of a tornado. The Red Cross recommends that this be a storm cellar or basement. If neither option is available, select an interior room located on the lowest level of the home. The designated room should not have windows. In some cases, the hallway may be the best option. If the home is a mobile home, the Weather Channel urges you to leave immediately and find alternative shelter. Even a hallway in a mobile home is considered unsafe during a tornado.

Develop a Plan

When a tornado is imminent, the natural reaction for many people is to panic. Put a plan together to keep your home and family safe and put everyone's minds at ease. In the plan, include the location of the safe room and any supplies. Point out where emergency numbers are stored and how to turn off the water, electricity and gas. Decide who will take care of getting any pets to the safe room. Include in the plan any instructions for contacting each other if separated. Most importantly, keep the plan in a place where it can be easily accessed during a tornado.

Create an Emergency Kit

During tornado season, prepare for what may happen during the tornado as well as the aftermath. Gather supplies for an emergency kit that can be placed in the designated safe space in your home. According to the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, this kit should include nonperishable foods and a can opener, as well as a three-day supply of water for each family member. The kit should contain one change of clothing and shoes for everyone, first-aid supplies, blankets, pillows, batteries, a portable radio and NOAA weather radio, a flashlight, extra keys and credit cards. If needed, pack any pet supplies, extra baby items, such as formula and diapers, and any needed medications.

Practice Drills

Run through your plan with your family. By practicing drills, you can be sure that each family member knows where to go and what to do during a tornado. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management recommends that you start by announcing the drill, then acting exactly as you would during a real tornado. Go to the safe place in the home and take cover. Use the drill as an opportunity to look around and determine if there is anything in the area that may cause injury, such as clutter or items hanging on walls. Once the drill is over, assess how long it took for everyone to get to the room or if there were any parts of the plan that did not work.

Know the Warning Signs

Educate yourself and your family on the difference between a tornado warning and tornado watch. A warning means a tornado has been spotted and you should take shelter; a watch indicates that a tornado is in the area. According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, tornadoes are often preceded by dark, green skies, wall clouds, large hail and loud roaring sounds. Know where to check for more information on tornado warnings and watches including television and radio; you may also a NOAA weather radio. Be aware of your community's emergency warning system.

References

• American Red Cross: Tornado Safety Checklist
• State of Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness: What to Do in Case of a Tornado
• National Severe Storms Laboratory: Tornadoes ... Nature's Most Violent Storms
• The Weather Channel: Tornado Information: Definition and Prevalence
• Virginia Department of Emergency Management: Threats and Emergencies: Tornadoes

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Tornadoes: Being Prepared; December 23, 2003
• National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office: Severe Weather Safety Checklist