How To Prepare Your Home for Tornado Season
One of the worst things that can happen to a homeowner is a tornado. They can cause a lot of damage, and they’re often unpredictable. You can’t control when or where one will hit, but you can take some steps to protect your home from the damage it can cause.
Take some actionable steps to prepare your home for tornado season and minimize the risk of damage.
Create a Tornado Plan for Your Family
One of the primary things you can do to protect your family during a tornado is to have a plan. A plan includes deciding where to go in your home, how to communicate, and what supplies you will need. Sit down with your family and develop a plan for what to do if a tornado hits.
If you have pets, make sure you include them in your plan. Have a safe place for them to go, and make sure you have enough food and water to last for a few days.
Have an Emergency Kit
Build an emergency kit and keep it in a safe place. The kit should include water, food, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and cash. If you must evacuate your home, you’ll want to have this kit with you.
Know Where To Shelter in Place
If a tornado is heading your way, you should shelter in place. A good shelter means finding the most interior room in your home and staying there until the storm has passed.
Having an aboveground storm shelter is an even better option. Storm shelters provide a safe place to go during a tornado, and they can usually withstand the high winds.
If you don’t have a storm shelter, consider using a bathtub. It won’t provide as much protection as an aboveground shelter, but it’s better than nothing.
Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning
You should be able to differentiate between a watch and a warning. A tornado watch is when conditions are suitable for a tornado, but one has not developed yet.
A tornado warning is when someone spots a tornado, and you need to take shelter right away. Ensure that you have an NOAA weather radio to stay up-to-date on the latest weather alerts.
As the weather warms up, start preparing your home for tornado season. By taking some of these simple steps, you can help protect your home from the damage a tornado can cause.
Tornadoes can be incredibly destructive, so create a plan and stick to it. Your family’s safety is the most important thing.
