Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Preparing for Tornado Season

By the RestorationSOS Educational Staff

Tornadoes occur with little or no advanced warning, meaning that once one is on the ground you have almost no chance to prepare yourself or your property against it. Since we at least have an idea of when tornadoes most often occur – later spring through summer – that means that while you can't adequately prepare against individual twisters, you can protect yourself against the threat as a whole by taking proper steps before the tornado season arrives.

If you are shopping for a home, look for one with a storm cellar or a basement. These are undoubtedly the safest places you can be in the event of a tornado on the ground in your area. Have an emergency kit prepared, similar to what you would assemble if you were going to evacuate, containing provisions and supplies that you might need while riding out severe weather.

Know where the nearest shelters or safe areas are near your home just in case you get caught outside when a tornado hits. The same goes for low lying areas such as ditches, gullies, riverbeds, or anywhere that allows you to get to the lowest possible location.

Have a battery-powered radio on hand. During severe weather your power might go out, but you should be able to access local channels to keep up to date with local weather conditions, threats, watches, or warnings.

Local news channels, police and fire departments may offer weather updates via text message. See if this is the case in your area and subscribe to as many as you can. This will allow you to remain updated wherever you are.

Have a cell phone charger and keep your phone charged. You may need it if you become trapped or injured and unable to move. An emergency, hand-crank radio is also a good investment.

Know your area. Look over area maps and become familiar with different areas and their proximity to your home. It will help when the radio announcer mentions specific streets or crossroads.

Your local county or city government may offer emergency planning for tornadoes. Above all else, remain calm. Losing your head in the midst of a disaster like a tornado will not help you and your family stay safe. Knowing the drill ahead of time is the key when it comes to surviving the onslaught of a tornado.

Recommended Reading
What Causes Wind Damage