Storms and tornadoes have been a common thing to hear about as we transition from spring into summer. Texas has been known to get get some damaging tornadoes with little to no warning. If you find yourself in a situation where a tornado is heading your way, there are some basic steps you and your family can take to protect yourself regardless of where you live. Just this past week a tornado tore through parts of Texas leaving destruction in its wake. Half of staying safe during a natural disaster is being prepared for it. Below we will discuss what you should do before, during and after a tornado.
Be Prepared:
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Make Sure your flashlights have fresh batteries, keep extra batteries in your emergency kits
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Have an emergency kit, sit down with your family and create an emergency kit with information that you will need if your home is destroyed. This should include important phone numbers and a “safe shelter” where if seperated your family can meet at.
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Have water and foods with a long shelf life, tornadoes can take down electricity lines leaving you without the means to cook.
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Matches and candles, when all else fails it will pay off to have matches and candles around.
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A battery operated radio, this way you can listen to what is going on with the local weather and have notification when it is safe to come out of hiding.
How to spot a storm:
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Dark or greenish sky
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Large Hail
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Low Lying, Large, or Rolling Clouds
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Regular Thunder & Lightening
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Tornado Sirens
How to protect yourself during the tornado:
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Go to the lowest level of your home or a bathroom door frame
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Avoid windows
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Hide under a sturdy structure such as a heavy table
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Cover your body with a blanket, mattress or sleeping bag
What to do after a tornado:
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Provide first aid if necessary
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Clean up flammable liquids such as gas immediately
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Tune into the radio to ensure there are not more damaging winds coming through
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Take pictures of any damage for insurance purposes to your home and vehicles
Being prepared in a tornado can save you or one of your family members lives. These storms are volatile, often causing immense damage to homes and communities. Though it may be hard to think or even have these conversations with your family members, know that is exactly why it needs to be had. Don’t wait to have a disaster emergency plan, because when the disaster strikes, it will be too late.