As we’ve seen time and time again, tornadoes can strike with little to no warning, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. The recent increase in severe weather events serves as a stark reminder that being prepared for a tornado is not just a luxury, but a necessity. That’s why it’s essential for every family to have a comprehensive tornado emergency plan in place. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure you and your loved ones are ready to face the threat of a tornado.

Tornado Safety Tips

It’s always best to be prepared for any natural disaster. Here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during a tornado; put together a tornado emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, and medications. You never know when you might need it. Stay updated on the weather conditions by monitoring forecasts and tornado warnings in your area. Knowledge is power! When you hear those sirens blaring or get a tornado warning on your TV or phone, it’s time to take cover. Seek shelter in a safe room, away from windows. If you can’t find shelter, cover your head with a sturdy object. Remember, don’t try to outrun a tornado. Find a secure location and stay there until the storm passes.

After the tornado, check for injuries and damage. Avoid debris and power lines, and seek medical help if necessary. It’s also a good idea to establish a communication plan with your family during emergencies and practice emergency drills together. Don’t forget about your pets and family members with special needs – include them in your emergency plan.

Lastly, stay calm and follow your emergency plan. Regularly review and update it to ensure everyone stays safe. Consider building or designating a safe room in your home, installing a sump pump, reinforcing garage doors, and investing in a generator for power outages. Keep important documents in a waterproof safe or pouch and stay informed about severe weather alerts. By being prepared and staying informed, you can weather the storm and keep yourself and your loved ones safe during a tornado. 

Watch for tornado danger signs:

• • Dark, often greenish sky

• • Wall Cloud – an isolated lowering of the base of the thunderstorm

• • Flying debris

• • Large hail

• • Funnel Cloud

• • Roaring Noise

 Tornado Drills

 

It’s so important to be prepared for tornadoes, and I’ve got some great tips to help you make sure you’re ready in case of an emergency. First things first, create a checklist of items you’ll need to grab during a tornado drill. You’ll want to include important documents, a first aid kit, and some extra clothing. Next, mix it up and practice different scenarios during your tornado drills. Try simulating conditions like power outages or blocked exits to make sure you’re ready for anything that comes your way.

Don’t forget to involve the kids in your drills! They must understand the importance of following emergency procedures and know what to do in case of a tornado. Assign specific responsibilities to each family member during your drills, like shutting off utilities or grabbing pets. This way, everyone knows exactly what to do in an emergency. Consider practicing relocating to a designated meeting spot outside of your home in case of evacuation. It’s good to have a plan in place in case you need to leave your home quickly.

Reach out to your neighbors and coordinate tornado drills with them if appropriate. Stay informed about tornado risk in your area and make sure to adjust your family’s emergency plan accordingly. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be. And lastly, don’t forget to regularly update and revise your family’s tornado emergency plan. It’s important to make sure it remains relevant and effective in case of an emergency.

 

Home First Aid Kit Contents and Sources for First Aid Training

Having a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for providing immediate medical assistance during a tornado. Here are some essential items to include in your home first aid kit:

• • Bandages and gauze in assorted sizes

• • Antiseptic wipes

• • Hand Sanitizer

• • Medical adhesive tape

• • Triangular bandages

• • Scissors

• • Tweezers

• • Pain relievers

• • Antihistamines

• • Non-aspirin pain reliever

• • Disposable gloves

• • Instant cold packs or reusable

• • CPR breathing barrier

• • Safety pins

• • Thermometer

• • First aid manual

In addition to having a first aid kit, consider enrolling in a first aid training course to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to medical emergencies effectively. Organizations such as the American Red Cross offer first-aid training programs that cover essential first-aid techniques, including CPR and basic wound care. The United States Department of Homeland Security has created a website, www.ready.gov, where visitors can learn more about putting together a disaster supply kit. This kit can be useful for tornadoes and other severe weather events that may happen in your area.

 

Tornado Classification and Safety

Tornadoes can occur in many different shapes and sizes ranging from a few yards to over one mile in width. They can move slowly, appearing nearly stationary, to as fast as 60 mph. The size and shape of a tornado does not necessarily say anything about the tornado’s strength or it’s capability to inflict damage. Since tornadoes can change intensity quickly, they should all be considered dangerous.

The vertical winds in tornadoes are capable of temporarily lifting heavy objects such as people or even vehicles hundreds of feet off the ground. They are also strong enough to carry lightweight objects miles away from their original location.

Tornado Classification

 

The following Operational EF Scale was implemented by the NOAA National Weather Service in 2007 based on 3-second windgust speeds (mph):

EF Number   3 Second Gust (mph)

          0                 65 to 85

          1                 86 to 110

          2                 111 to 135

          3                 136 to 165

          4                 166 to 200

          5                 Over 200

 Severe Weather Tips – These Items Apply to All Weather Emergencies, Not Just Tornadoes

This list will be showing up in other posts as well. You can keep many of these items in a small tote to throw into a vehicle on short notice. It is crucial to be prepared for any severe weather event that may come our way, whether is floods, fires, hurricanes, severe wind or dust storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, or other natural disasters. Here are some important steps to take to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones:

1. • Keep important documents and belongings in a waterproof and easily accessible place in case of flooding. Review your insurance policies annually to ensure you have adequate coverage.

1. • Create a family emergency plan that includes designated meeting spots and communication methods in case you get separated during a severe weather event.

1. • Make sure to have a supply of non-perishable food, water, and necessary medications on hand to last for several days in case of emergency. Don’t forget a can opener. Emergency food rations can include items such as foil pouches of tuna, and MRIs or other meal-in-a-pouch foods from your local camping store. We have an old Coleman stove with some pots and utensils, canned fuel, 2 butane lighters in case one loses pressure, plastic utensils, paper plates, and cups in our kit.

1. • Keep a flashlight and extra batteries in an easily accessible place in case of a power outage during severe weather. Make sure you have the correct spare batteries for each flashlight! We had a battery-powered lantern I was certain took D cells, only to discover it took C cells.  Big oops! Fortunately, we had other lanterns available.

1. • Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and anything else that could become projectiles in high winds.

1. • Have a first aid kit with a manual of common procedures and remedies readily available in case of injuries during severe weather events. Include a pair of work gloves for all family members so that everyone can help safely move debris out of the way when the event is over.  

1. • Pack blankets, jackets, and extra clothing to stay warm in case of prolonged power outages.

1. • Stay informed about evacuation routes and shelter locations in your area in case you need to evacuate during severe weather.

1. • Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled individuals, to make sure they are prepared and offer assistance if needed during severe weather events.

1. • Stay calm and follow the guidance of local authorities during severe weather events to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

By taking these proactive steps, you can help ensure that you are prepared and ready to handle any severe weather event that may come your way. Stay safe, stay prepared, and take care of each other.

 Key Takeaways:

• • Establish a comprehensive tornado emergency plan for your family, including designated safe rooms, evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and essential supplies.

• • Practice tornado drills regularly with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of a tornado.

• • Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your home and consider enrolling in a first aid training course to be prepared to respond to medical emergencies during a tornado.

 FAQ:

Q. How often should I conduct tornado drills with my family?

A. It is recommended to conduct tornado drills at least twice a year to ensure everyone is familiar with the emergency procedures.

Q. What should I do if I am caught outside during a tornado?

A. If you are caught outside during a tornado, seek shelter in a sturdy building or lie flat in a low-lying area away from trees and vehicles.

Q. How can I stay informed about severe weather alerts in my area?

A. Stay tuned to local news and weather reports, and consider downloading a weather app on your phone to receive real-time updates on severe weather watches and warnings.

 

Final Thoughts

Being prepared for a tornado is not something to be taken lightly.  By establishing a comprehensive tornado emergency plan, practicing tornado drills with your family, and having essential supplies on hand, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones during a tornado. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start preparing today to protect your family from the devastating impact of a tornado. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to severe weather events.