5 Tips to Prepare for a Tornado

a tornado looming over a field with a lake how to preapre for a tornado

Tornados are destructive atmospheric storms that occur in the spring or summer. The winds can rip ordinary homes to shreds and hurl debris through the air like deadly missiles. During the high season (May and June), you should watch for Mother Nature’s warning signs in your area. Sometimes, these storms are unpredictable, so you should ensure you have a proper tornado preparedness checklist in place. Below are 5 tips on how to prepare for a tornado. 

1. Identify a Safe Place in your Home 

When a tornado strikes, you should have a safe place where you can hide with your family. This could be a storm stellar, basement, or interior room of the lowest floor. The room should be reinforced to give extra protection. You may want to check if your children’s school or workplace has a tornado emergency plan in place. 

2. Beware of the Weather Conditions 

If you want to get the latest information about a tornado, tune in to NOAA weather radio. This is the best way to learn of an impending storm as most radios operate on batteries. Some tornados will strike without warning, so you should be on the lookout for signs like dark-colored skies, low-lying cloud, large hail, and a sound like a lion’s roar. 

3. Prepare Your Emergency Supplies

tornado preparedness kit with emergency supplies

Your tornado preparedness kit should consist of all the items you need in the aftermath of a storm—store non-perishable food and drinkable water in a safe place. Be sure to check the items periodically to ensure they stay fresh. 

A tornado can interfere with electricity supply, so you should have flashlights and extra batteries. Also, invest in portable lamps that run on batteries. A generator will also provide emergency power, but you should keep it at a safe distance from home. This could be a garage or an enclosed building. Make sure you don’t provide more power than what the generator can supply. Don’t forget to keep a first aid kit in the storm shelter. 

4. Keep a List of Contact Information Handy

You should have a list of names and phone numbers of your family members or neighbors and keep the contact information of the homes you visit frequently. It’s ideal to have emergency contacts of paramedics, police, and utility providers. And if you think your important documents could be destroyed during a storm, keep them at a safe place. Of course, you should ensure copies of insurance policies are in a safety deposit box. 

5. Prepare Your Home

Keep the trees near your home wind resistant by making sure to remove damaged branches that the wind can blow. Also, consider installing permanent shutters to cover the windows. 

What to Do During a Tornado

So what should you do if a tornado forms in your area? If you’re outdoors, you should seek shelter in a sturdy building or basement. If you’re in a vehicle, buckle up and drive to the closest shelter. Cover your head with your hands in case of flying debris. It’s also important that you stay away from highway overpasses and bridges. 

If you live in a mobile home, get out and seek shelter in another building. Do not attempt to open the windows as you could get injured by flying glass or debris. 

Be sure to follow the above tornado safety tips to protect your home and family.

One of the best ways to be prepared for any natural disaster is by having a home insurance policy. InsureOne remains open and ready to meet any of your coverage needs. Request a free home insurance quote today online or give us a call.

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