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Before the Tornado
Select a shelter and make a plan
- With your family, select a shelter in advance and be sure that everyone is clear about its location and the best way to get there.
- If you live in a tornado-prone area, you may have a specially constructed storm cellar adjacent to your home. Otherwise, a corner or outside wall of your basement is the best location, under something sturdy like a workbench or stairway, but avoid areas with heavy appliances on the floor above.
- If you do not have a basement, find cover at the center of the house, on the lowest floor, in a closet or bathroom, or under a sturdy piece of furniture.
- Be sure that work and schools have emergency plans and if necessary, follow those.
- Keep emergency numbers by the phone including police, fire, ambulance and schools.
- Make copies of important documents such as; Will, Mortgage, Insurance Policies, Insurance Cards. Place them in a waterproof container so they can be accessible and easily transported should you need to leave your home.
Stock your shelter area with supplies
- Stock emergency supplies. You should have enough food and water for your family and pets for 3 or 4 days. Store water in clean plastic containers and avoid glass or empty bleach or detergent bottles. Keep in mind that adults need 1 quart of water per day to survive.
- When stocking food, plan to have a full week’s supply of canned food that requires little water and can be eaten with little or no preparation. Don’t forget the manual can opener! Remember that infants and those with illnesses will require special foods.
- Additional supplies to have handy would include a battery-powered radio and flashlights (with extra batteries for both), tools, blankets and clothing, a fire extinguisher, candles and matches, a pail with cover, boards, plastic sheeting and tape and all special medications like insulin and heart tablets.
- Be able to give first aid. Have a first-aid kit and handbook with your emergency supplies and consider enrolling in a course. Although first-aid procedures are not a substitute for qualified medical treatment, you’ll learn to do things that could make an important difference when help is not readily available.
- Look and Listen
- Keep your eye on the sky. If you notice an eerie light, sometimes described from yellowish to golden green, and an unnatural quiet free of all animal sounds, it could be nature serving its warning. Keep looking at the sky, particularly to the south and southwest, for heavy, dark clouds with thunder and lightning. Large hail, heavy rain with strong winds and a roaring sound like that of a plane or a train can be warning signs.
- Listen to a radio. If there is a tornado watch announced, keep tuned to the radio for more information. It means a tornado is expected to develop. If there is a tornado warning announced, it means a tornado has been sighted in your area – take shelter immediately.
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Safety Tips for
Your Home
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