May is peak tornado season, and the present is always a good time to prepare. A strong plan, a safe shelter, and a well-stocked survival kit can keep you one step ahead of the chaos. During the middle of a storm, the last thing you need is having to make life-or-death decisions. Let’s make sure you’re ready before you hear the next warning siren.
Tornado Season Preparedness: Stay Ready Before Storms Catch You Off Guard
Tornado season means fast-moving storms that can rip through homes and towns without warning. Sirens give only minutes to act, and scrambling at the last second can cost precious time. Knowing your shelter options, emergency supplies, and action steps before the sky turns saves lives. Let’s go over exactly how to set up a real tornado plan that works when it matters.
Step 1: Build a Tornado Emergency Plan
Tornadoes form quickly and leave you with little or no time to react. Make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go before the storm hits.
Identify a Safe Shelter
- Best option: A basement or underground storm shelter offers the highest level of protection.
- If there’s no basement: Bathrooms, closets, or hallways with sturdy walls can protect you as well from the disaster.
- Worst places: Stay away from mobile homes, upper floors, or large windows. Tornadoes can rip mobile homes apart in seconds. If you live in one, evacuate to a sturdier structure as quickly as possible.
Set Up an Alert System
- Tornado sirens are helpful in alerting the entire neighborhood of an impending disaster. However, they may not be loud enough to hear indoors, especially at night or during heavy weather
- Keep weather apps and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) radios on alert when there is a tornado approaching. These apps provide real-time alerts and will remain online even during a power outage.
- Always check local news or social media for updates when the power is still on. Keep in mind there may be slight delays.
Go Through Your Plan and Run Drills
- Run tornado drills periodically so everyone knows where to go the moment a warning hits.
- Include pets in your emergency plan by providing them with well-ventilated carriers or a strong, snug-fitting leash so they don’t bolt in a state of panic.
- Agree on a predetermined family meeting spot in case you get separated during the chaos.
Step 2: Secure Your Home Against Tornado Damage
Even if a tornado doesn’t hit your home directly, strong winds can tear off roofs, shatter windows, and turn everyday objects into dangerous projectiles. Here are a few precautions to help protect your home and save you from costly repairs later.
Reinforce Your Shelter Area
- Upgrade your safe room with thicker walls, a reinforced door, and a heavy-duty latch to withstand extreme winds.
- If possible, invest in a prefabricated storm shelter designed for maximum protection.
Reduce the Chances of Getting Damage from Flying Debris
- Trim weak tree branches before storm season to prevent them from snapping off and becoming airborne hazards.
- Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and trash cans because even lightweight objects can turn into projectiles in high winds.
- Lock up tools, garden decorations, and other loose items in a shed or garage so they don’t get tossed around during the storm.
Protect Your Vehicles
- Parking in a garage is best as it shields your vehicle against flying debris and hail. No garage? Cover your car with thick blankets or a tarp to reduce damage.
- If you’re driving when a tornado is near, don’t stop under an overpass. The wind tunnel effect will only make things worse.
Step 3: Assemble Your Tornado Survival Kit
Packing ahead of time means you won’t have to scramble for supplies after hearing the sirens.
Emergency Basics
- Keep flashlights with extra batteries so you won’t get left in the dark.
- Use a battery-powered NOAA weather radio so you can still receive updates even during a power outage.
- Stock a first aid kit to handle injuries, as emergency responders might take a while to reach you.
Food & Water
- Water: Store at least one gallon per person per day for three days.
- Non-perishable food: Canned goods, protein bars, and peanut butter provide easy, long-lasting nutrition.
- Manual can opener: If the power goes out, you’ll need one to manage your stock of canned goods.
Important Documents
- Store copies of ID, insurance policies, and emergency contacts in a waterproof bag.
- Keep digital copies on a USB drive in case the physical copies get damaged.
Extra Clothing and Comfort Items
- Wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet from broken glass and debris.
- Have blankets and rain gear ready in case you need to evacuate.
- Keep cash on hand since there’s no telling if ATMs and credit card machines will work during a calamity.
Pet Essentials
- Pack enough food and water for your pet for at least three days.
- Keep a leash, collar, or carrier ready for quick evacuations.
- Store vet records and any necessary medications in a waterproof container.
What to Do When a Tornado Warning Is Issued
National Weather Service (NWS) issues two types of tornado alerts:
- Tornado Watch: This means conditions are right for tornadoes to form. Stay alert, monitor weather updates, and prepare to take action against the coming disturbance.
- Tornado Warning: This means a tornado has been spotted or detected by radar. Seek shelter immediately because a tornado is either already on the ground or about to take form.
Once you hear emergency sirens or receive an alert on your phone:
- Move to your safe room immediately. Don’t wait to get a visual of the tornado before seeking shelter.
- Stay away from windows. Flying debris and shattered glass can cause serious injuries.
- Protect yourself by using a mattress, helmet, or thick blankets to shield against falling debris and strong winds.
- If you are driving, move to a sturdy building as quickly as possible. If no shelter is available, lie flat in a ditch and cover your head to reduce the risk of being thrown by the wind.
After the Storm: Stay Safe in the Aftermath ️
Stay alert even after the tornado passes, as there are still potential hazards all around. Downed power lines, gas leaks, and unstable buildings can cause serious injuries. Stay safe and take precautions while checking on your home and loved ones.
- Avoid stepping on or walking near downed power lines as they might still carry electricity.
- Check for gas leaks by sniffing for unusual odors. Avoid staying near open flames as well.
- Check to see if your neighbors, especially the elderly or those with disabilities, need assistance.
- Use generators outdoors only to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Tornado Season Tips: Don’t Wait for the Warning
Once you hear the tornado sirens go off, it may already be too late to make preparations. Being on the ready is critical because it gives you the best shot at protecting yourself and your family. Draw up an emergency plan, secure your home, and stock up on essentials. The earlier you do these tasks, the safer you’ll be when disaster hits. So, don’t leave anything to chance. Prepare now!
FAQs: Tornado Season Preparedness
- How much warning time do you get before a tornado?
Usually 10-15 minutes, but some tornadoes hit with little or no warning.
- What does a tornado sound like?
Many describe it as a freight train roar or loud rushing wind.
- Should I open windows to “equalize pressure”?
No! This is a myth. Keep windows closed to prevent wind damage inside.
- Is an overpass safe during a tornado?
No. Wind speeds increase under overpasses, making them more dangerous.
- What’s the safest place in a house during a tornado?
A basement or small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
