Thursday, May 5, 2011

11 Tornado Preparedness Tips

1. Make sure you have insurance that covers tornado damage.
This is the time to get to make sure your policy will cover what you need it to cover in the case of a tornado. I’ve been into an area struck by a tornado in Alabama and I’ve seen the extreme damage. Please make sure you don’t take for granted just how powerful these storms are, and the damage they can do to your home.



2. Run drills.
It’s always better to practice your plan before the event of an emergency so that when the time comes you know exactly what to do, and exactly where to go. Don’t assume you will automatically do the right thing. Practice make perfect.

3. Pick the lowest place in your house.
Basements are great, but if you don’t have a basement, choose an interior doorway or hallway. The lower you are, the more likely you are to be safe.

4. Cover your head.
Protecting your head is extremely important other area’s of the body can sustain injuries that are not life threatening. But your head needs extra protection. Use a pillow or get underneath a mattress or other furniture.
5. Stay away from windows and other glass.
Remember that when you are in a tornado, the power of the wind can blow all kinds of debris. Glass can kill you very quickly. Stay away from fish tanks or any other glass items in your home.

6. Keep a wrench near the gas meter and be sure you know how to turn off the gas.
Gas leaks can have a devastating affect on in the situation. Homes can literally blow up. The time to turn off the gas is before the storm hits. Make sure you understand how to take care of this.


7. Store a grab n go survival kit
Make sure you have food, water, clothing, shelter and hygiene products stored in a easy to carry and go bag. You will need at least enough for 3 days, but you may want to have more in your kit.

8. Stay inside, unless you are in your car.
Pull to the side of the road and get out of the car (get in a ditch of possible) You cannot out run a tornado.

9. Keep an Emergency Radio.
A good Emergency Radio that is solar or dynamo powered can get you the information you need before and after a Tornado has struck. Make sure you have one.

10. Sirens.
Don’t wait until you hear the sirens to take cover. Many times, the sirens don’t ring until it’s too late.

11. Mobile Homes.
If you live in a mobile home, leave it and go somewhere else when there is a tornado watch. It is a myth that open windows will lessen the effects of a tornado. It is best to keep them closed.http://www.thereadystore.com/emergency-preparedness-basics/1860/tornado-preparedness-tips/