This tornado season is shaping up to be the worst of the past few years. I know this is a bit of a departure from the purpose of the site, but I want to know that everyone out there is doing everything they can to keep themselves and their families safe.
When that sky turns green, you need to be prepared no matter where you are. Here's what some of the experts say about tornado preparedness.
Before the storm comes:
Have a plan. Designate a spot in your house that provides maximum protection. This spot should be in the basement or tornado shelter, or failing that, a room with as few outside walls as possible in the center of the house. Stay away from windows, as they may shatter.
Hallways and bathrooms are good for this, as are some closets and crawlspaces. Keep these rooms free of clutter during tornado season.
Stock this designated room with needed supplies. This is your tornado preparedness kit.
Essential materials for your kit include:
--- Adequate bottled water for the number of people in your family, and anyone else who might be seeking shelter in your house. (2-3 gallons per person is recommended)
--- Canned or packaged high-energy food that is unlikely to spoil. Get the kind that you don't need a can-opener for to save on space (little hiking trick there).
--- First aid materials: Bandages and gauze, disinfectants, oral painkillers, tweezers, surgical scissors, wound dressings, prescription medications (insulin, etc.)
--- Protective and weather-appropriate clothing and footwear. Think raincoats and hiking boots, if possible.
--- Bedding and sleeping bags. Camping sleep pads are a good choice.
--- Battery or dynamo-powered (the hand-crank kind) AM/FM radio. If you use the battery kind, pack spare batteries as well.
--- Flashlight (again, remember the spare batteries). Avoid using candles and gas lanterns as a source of light.
--- Written instructions on how to turn off your home's gas, electricity and/or water if you are advised by the authorities to do so. Keep in mind you'll also need any tools (wrenches, etc.) to do this in your kit.
Immediately before the storm:
Know what the alerts mean. A tornado watch means that a storm capable of producing tornadoes is approaching the area. At this point, prepare to take cover if necessary.
A tornado warning, on the other hand, is more urgent. Don't wait for the sirens. Take cover. This warning means a tornado has touched down or is likely to touch down in your area.
The National Weather Service will issue these warnings and watches for your area (usually by parish or county). Pay special attention to when these warnings expire so you will know when the danger has passed.
If you are caught in a storm:
If you can't get to your designated shelter in time, you may have to take shelter in a less-than-adequate area. If you are outdoors, seek shelter in the basement or inside room of a building. Failing this, lay down flat in a ditch or low-lying area, and cover your head. If you are in a car or mobile home, get out and seek shelter as above.
IMPORTANT: If you are driving down a highway, do NOT seek shelter underneath a highway overpass. The wind of a tornadic storm will concentrate strongly in this area. Instead, seek a safe building, or a low-lying area or ditch and cover your head.
If your designated shelter room is a bathroom, fill the tub with pillows and blankets as padding and lay down in it for added protection.
After the storm passes:
--- Continue listening to TV and radio for further instructions and/or warnings.
--- Check yourself and anyone you are taking shelter with for any visible signs of injury and take appropriate action.
--- Inspect your house for damages.
--- If the power is out, use a flashlight to make your inspections. Do NOT use candles or anything requiring matches, as there may be a gas leak in the area.
Of course, the single most important thing in any disaster is to stay calm and don't take risks. Have a plan and stick to it. Make sure your family is aware of the danger and knows your plan.
Don't scare your kids. ;-) Just tell them that tornadoes are powerful things, and ensure them that the family has a plan to deal with them if one happens.
And of course, don't forget the pets. If your dogs(s) or cat(s) might scare during the storm, keep some doggie or kitty treats or a favorite toy with your tornado kit so you can lure them to safety.
Stay safe out there!