Just about every part of the world can be susceptible to a tornado. It is obvious that a tornado cannot be stopped by humans, so the possibility of something terrible happening really does exist. The good news is that in most areas, you can be very well-prepared for a tornado, and the chance of something devastating happening will decrease drastically. This article contains the three essentials of tornado preparedness. It is in your best interest to make certain that the following items are taken care of and ready to be used or implemented before a tornado actually comes into your area.
Develop a Plan
The most important thing that you need to do is develop a plan of attack when a tornado is heading your way. This means that you should have a spot in your home that is designated as the safest spot to hunker down into during severe weather. It is important to find a spot that contains the least amount of glass, and you should also be on the lowest floor of your home. If possible, you should also find a place that is as close to the center of your home as possible. Once you know your spot, everyone in your family should be aware of the location. The most important thing is to make certain that you have chosen the safest place in your home.
What You Need to Have Packed
You should have enough things packed to last you at least one whole day. It is possible that you could get trapped into your safe spot, so you should have enough food and water for everyone to use. You should also have fresh batteries, flashlights, battery operated radios, blankets, pillows, a first-aid kit and freshly charged cell phones. It is also imperative to make certain that you pack any medications that may be necessary to keep a loved one safe. Be sure to have something hard to protect everyone’s head. Bike helmets, hard books or some other solid item should be placed over each person’s head when the tornado is coming through. It would be a good idea to have a fire extinguisher handy as well.
Batten Down the Hatches
In the past, it was common practice to open the windows during a tornado. The times have changed, and the experts now believe that it is safer to get everything locked up tightly and securely. While closing up your home and getting ready for the storm, take some extra precautions if necessary. If you are forced into an area that has glass, try to find something to put up against it to protect yourself if the glass shatters.
These basic tips will greatly help you to reduce the risk of serious injury. You can also read more at http://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/tornado/preparedness.html.