Tornadoes touch down randomly and can occur at a moment’s notice. Being prepared and knowing what to do before, during, and after a tornado could keep you alive if a disaster were to strike. There are about 1000 tornadoes that touch down in a given year. They occur mainly from March to June. The majority forming in Tornado Alley which covers the area between the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains. This central region is where cool dry Canadian air mixes with the warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico resulting in optimal weather conditions for funnel clouds.
How To Prepare for a Tornado
Preparation should occur long before a tornado hits. Every home should have an emergency disaster kit with these items:
First aid kit
Battery operated radio
Bottled water
Canned Food with a manual can opener
Flashlight
Hammer
Leatherman Multi-Tool
Instructions on how to shut off power,water and gas
Cash
Practice drills in the spring and summer so that everyone knows where to go and what to do when a tornado hits. Should a tornado strike when the kids are in school and the parents are at work, know where to meet after the danger has passed.
What To Do During a Tornado
If you know a storm is coming your way, watch or listen to weather reports to keep you informed of the changing conditions. Some weather sites and stations will even send you alerts on your phone or computer when severe weather is in the area. Also you can visually see if a storm is on the horizon. Signs of a tornado are greenish dark skies, big hail, a funnel cloud and if it’s near, you can hear the roar of the winds which sounds like a freight train.
When a tornado has been confirmed in your area, you need to move quickly to the safest place in your home or apartment building. Grab your emergency kit and head for the basement, cellar or the lowest
level in your home. If there is no cellar, head for the most interior room such as a bathroom or under a staircase. You want to be shielded by as many walls as possible. Crawl under a table and fortify yourself with pillows and mattresses. Windows should be closed not open. Use your arms to protect your face.
If you happen to be in your car when a tornado is in the vicinity, you want to leave your vehicle and head for shelter, a ditch or a depression in the ground. It’s better to lie down in an open field than to run for cover under overpasses or bridges.
What To Do After a Tornado
After the storm passes, check to see who is injured or under debris. If you can give first aid, do so but be careful not to move those seriously injured as it can make matters worse. Stay away from damaged areas and buildings and don’t go back until it’s deemed safe by officials. Assist your neighbors if they are hurt .
When you return home, if you smell gas or if there are sparking electrical wires, leave immediately. If you can turn off the gas from outside or shut down the power safely then do so. Leave the premises, and call the utilities.
Look over the appliances and make sure power is off to them. If they are wet, open them up to air dry and then have them inspected by an electrician before using.
Check for damage like cracks to the foundation and roof. Also check to see if there is damage to cabinets and other structures within the house. If the water pipes are broken, turn off the water.
Call your insurance company. Take pictures of the damages and keep records of expenses to repair and replace items.
Tornadoes can occur anywhere and develop without much warning. The more prepared you are, the more likely you and your loved ones will be able to weather a tornado disaster and survive.