If you choose a bathroom, be prepared to get into the tub or shower in case of a tornado. For extra protection, cover yourself with a mattress. If you live in a mobile home, identify a nearby safe building or space you can get to quickly. Do not stay in a mobile home during a tornado as it’s not a solid structure and could be blown apart. Check for a safe room or space in places you visit a lot, like the homes of friends and family and your workplace.
Keep 3 days worth of supplies in your storm cellar as well as entertainment. Having these things stored in your shelter means you won’t have to grab anything if a tornado hits, just head straight to the shelter.
Each person in your home needs 1 gallon (3. 8 L) of water per day. Other things you can pack in your emergency kit include a flashlight with extra batteries, moist towelettes, and a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. Create a pet emergency kit if you have pets. Include water, food, and any medications your pets need.
Also consider keeping a list of important contacts in your emergency kit as well as some extra cash.
Find an evacuation center at https://www. redcross. org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter. html
Remember that these warnings aren’t perfect. If you see signs of a tornado approaching, seek shelter immediately whether or not you hear a siren.
Make sure everyone in the family knows where to go, what to take, and how to be safe if a tornado hits. Teach children to go to the lowest level of a building, get away from glass, and protect their heads during a tornado.
You may also want to ask how you can contact your child or how you will be contacted in case of an emergency.
A tornado watch indicates that tornadoes are possible in your area. Pay special attention to weather conditions. A PDS tornado watch is issued when a powerful supercell has a chance of creating a significant tornado. When this watch is issued, be prepared to take immediate shelter. A tornado warning indicates that a tornado has been seen in your area. Seek shelter right away. A tornado emergency means that a significant tornado has been confirmed on the ground in your area. Take cover immediately.
Darkening skies, particularly if the sky appears a sickly greenish color, indicating hail, or an orange color, indicating dust being blown around by high winds. Strong, persistent rotation of the cloud base. Very calm and quiet conditions during or right after a thunderstorm. A rumble or roar that sounds like continuous thunder or, sometimes, a train or jet Whirling debris near the ground, even in the absence of a funnel cloud. Blue-green or white flashes at ground level in the distance at night – a sign of power lines being snapped by high winds.
If you have a car, attempt to drive to the nearest shelter away from the storm. If that’s not possible, stay in your car, duck below and cover yourself with a blanket. Keep your seat belt on. [8] X Research source If you are in an open field, duck close to the ground and cover your head. Do not hide under a bridge or overpass. Most importantly, watch out for flying debris. Never try to outrun the storm. [9] X Research source
If you have children with you, have them grab a book, toy, or game, and quickly move to shelter. Having a distraction will help them remain calm. Take your pets with you to your shelter.
Shield any children or pets you have with you with your body. Then cover your own head and neck.
Watch or listen to weather reports to find out when it is safe to come out. If you don’t have access to a weather report, wait at least an hour before coming out, if you can. Most tornadoes only last a few minutes, but they can last up to an hour.
If you are in doubt about whether the danger has passed or not, stay where you are.
If there is a lot of dust where you are trapped, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth.
If you are trained in first aid, treat anyone who needs immediate help until they can get medical attention.
Never light a match or use a lighter if you suspect that there may be a gas leak, or if you have not already turned off the utilities.
If you were evacuated, don’t return home until authorities tell you it is safe to do so.
If your home was too severely damaged to clean it up safely, wait for help. Don’t put yourself in danger.
