#1 Preparation – make sure to have flashlights, batteries, identify a safe place in the home, a family plan (meeting spot), wear layers, in a cellar have clothes packed water bottles, flashlights, radio, emergency kit, a bag of important info
- #2 Know the difference – tornado watch means a tornado is possible. a tornado warning means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon. Go to your safe place immediately
- #3 During a tornado, if you’re away from your home – stay away from bridges/highway overpasses, If strong winds and flying debris occur while driving, pull over and park, keeping your seat belt on and engine running. Put your head down below the windows, covering your head with your hands and a blanket. Seek shelter
#4 Protect yourself & your home- if you don’t have a cellar/shelter- by covering your head or neck with arms and putting materials such as furniture and blanket around or on top of you. Protecting your home – Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a storm.Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs, then strategically remove branches so that wind can blow through. Strong winds frequently break weak limbs and hurl them at great speed, causing damage or injury when they hit. Remove any debris or loose items in your yard. Branches and firewood may become missiles in strong winds.Consider installing permanent shutters to cover windows. Shutters can be closed quickly and provide the safest protection for windows.Strengthen garage doors. Garage doors are often damaged or destroyed by flying debris, allowing strong winds to enter. As winds apply pressure to the walls, the roof can be lifted off, and the rest of the house can easily follow.
$5 After a tornado – Let friends and family know you’re safe. – Register yourself as safe on the Safe and Well website, If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so, Check for injuries. If you are trained, provide first aid to persons in need until emergency responders arrive, Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions, Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.Wear appropriate gear during clean-up such as thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves, use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.