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Tornadoes -- Make a Plan

April 20, 2021
By WeatherBug's Christopher Smith
Now that we are heading into the peak of the severe storm season, let’s review a safety plan when it comes to tornadoes.
  • Observe the forecast. It is important to know whether your area is at an elevated risk for severe weather, so you aren’t caught off guard. Have a way to receive tornado watches and warnings in case dangerous weather is headed your way.
  • Designate a safe room. In case a tornado does threaten, already have a room picked out beforehand where you would go to be as safe as possible. A basement or storm cellar are the best shelters from tornadoes, but if that isn’t an option, pick an interior room on the lowest level of the home that has no windows. If living in a mobile home, seek out a safe building you can head to during an emergency, like a church or relative’s house.
  • Have severe weather drills. It’s not only important to have a safe plan for tornadoes, but to also practice the plan. Having regular severe weather drills ensures anyone in the home will know what to do if a tornado does occur. Any communication issues can be sorted out during the drill and designated meeting places can be established.
  • Keep an eye on others. Having a safe plan for yourself is essential, but also encourage others to have an emergency plan for tornadoes. Following a tornado, make sure to check on your neighbors to see if they are safe or if they may need medical attention.
While tornadoes are intense forces of nature, there are steps you can take now to be as prepared as possible when dangerous weather strikes.

Source: weather.gov
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Story Image: A tornado over the Plains in mid-May, 2010 (NOAA Photo Library/Randy Peppler).