Stay Safe This Tornado Season: Plan Ahead

Safe safe this tornado season.

March is the beginning of tornado season in many parts of the country, peaking in April, and decreasing in May and June. Tornadoes tend to come from the southwest, south, or west, and peak time for tornadoes to hit differs per region. Early morning tornadoes are almost as common as late afternoon ones in some southeastern states. In northern and western states, peak hours are from late afternoon to early evening.

To make sure a tornado doesn’t catch you or your family, spend some time planning for safety this tornado season using the tips below.

Purchasing a Tornado-Safe Home

The best way to plan ahead is to purchase a tornado-friendly home, if possible. Brick and mortar homes are preferable due to stability, but may not be in your budget.

• Purchase a home with tornado-safety features, such as a storm shelter or reinforced basement.
• Buy in a location that is in a less-traveled tornado path, according to statistics.
• Avoid purchasing a mobile home, as this home type is very unstable and dangerous in a tornado.

Be Prepared To Hide

If a tornado warning is given, pay close attention and discuss the warning with your family. Know where your hiding spot is and keep close to it until danger is over. Do family storm drills so all family members know where to go and how to act in a severe storm.

• Head to the storm shelter immediately when storm danger is growing near. If you don’t have a storm shelter, consider purchasing one or use a designated safe room.
• Keep out of high, open rooms and hallways, and all doorways, but especially those  with a southwest, south, or west entry and stay on the lowest floor.
• Stay in interior rooms and hide under a sturdy table or staircase.
• Lie down in a metal bathtub with a mattress on top of you for protection. The bathtub functions as a small room on all four sides.

Disaster Supplies

It is recommended that disaster supplies be kept in your shelter or safe room that includes these items:

• First-aid kit
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered radio
• Extra batteries
• Canned and other non-perishable food
• Manual can opener (not electric)
• Bottled water
• Sturdy shoes and work gloves for after the storm
• Mattress and blankets to deflect flying debris and for resting and keeping warm and dry
• Heavy table to hide under to avoid falling debris

Plan ahead this tornado season and stay safe.

Photo Credit: Wyatt’s Virtual Drifting at www.flickr.com