Hurricane and Tornado Safety Tips

Weather can turn ugly at any moment. Hurricanes and tornadoes take many lives each year. Taking these steps to being prepared can save you and your family. Put them in a trunk or several duffle bags so you can take these supplies with you in case you need to evacuate. Keep a smaller, one-person version in the trunk of your car – just in case. Remember, there may be nothing left after the storm, so it’s important to be prepared.

Essential disaster items:

• First aid kit (include bug repellent) plus a whistle to blow for help
• Flashlight with extra batteries and battery-powered radio to stay updated on the storm
• Hand-crank can opener and canned goods such as tuna, Vienna sausage, or a plastic jar of peanut butter and some bottled water
• Toilet paper in plastic bags (Ziplocs or taped shut), plastic garbage bags and newspaper for waste disposal
• Personal and feminine hygiene items plus spare eyeglasses/contacts
• A blanket or sleeping bag for each person and a complete change of clothing for each person (these items should be checked once a year to be sure they still fit). Include a disposable rain poncho for each person (available at most Dollar stores in small pouches)
• Make a copy of all prescription medications in case you need more before you can go home

Sit down with your family and discuss what to do when the sirens sound. Choose a meeting place in the house or town so that everyone will know who is safe. If you have a basement or storm shelter, that is the logical location.

Okay, the weather is saying “it’s coming”; what do you do to get ready and how do you survive?

Cover windows with plywood and don’t leave anything outside that is not anchored to the ground. Turn off propane tanks. Fill bathtubs and empty containers with water for daily cleanup and flushing the toilet. Turn up your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting to prevent food from spoiling. Fill your car’s gas tank full and park in the garage. Unplug your computer. Bring in your pets so you can find them when the storm hits. If you live in a mobile home, you need to evacuate!

If you are not evacuating - If you don’t have one of these rooms in your house, find a room with no windows like a large closet and put your trunk of supplies in it. It is a personal decision when to place your pets in the safe room with you (most cats will panic less if you put them in a pet carrier with a towel). Once everything is secure, stay indoors unless you are evacuating. Turn on your battery-powered radio. As a last resort, take mattresses for protection into the bathtubs (remove glass shower doors if you have them). If you hear a roaring noise (some say the noise is similar to an approaching train), get in your safe area immediately. Again, if you live in a mobile home, evacuate!

If you are stuck in an office building, sit under your desk if there is no designated safety area. If you are outside on foot, lay down flat in a ditch and cover your head. If you are in a car, get out and run to the bottom floor of a sturdy (concrete, if possible) building. Underpasses and bridges are no good because you could be sucked up into the tornado! Watch for flying objects so you can slide sideways if you see something coming towards you.

If you are evacuating, take your trunk of supplies and extra cash. Be sure you know where everyone is before you leave the house. Turn off your refrigerator to prevent electrical damage during the storm. Park any extra vehicles in the garage.

Afterward – stay out of flooded areas and avoid downed power lines. Watch for tornadoes, if you see a funnel cloud, go back inside. If you were evacuated, wait until authorities tell you it is safe to return. Be careful of damaged flooring and ceilings as you re-enter your home. If there is water standing in the house or you smell smoke or gas, don’t go inside. Check for spoiled food. Keep an eye out for snakes in the debris; they could have been flung from neighboring woods or lakes into your home!

Taking these precautions early can save you fear and pain during either of these disasters. Find out more by visiting this site.