Tornadoes can happen anywhere and at any time. So even if you don’t live in a high-risk area, it’s still important to be prepared.

Taking tornadoes seriously and having a well-thought-out plan in place is decisive.

How would you react if a tornado hits your home? Would you know what to do to protect yourself and your family?

This blog post will review a tornado home safety checklist to ensure you’re prepared and ready for anything.

Tornado Statistics And Impact on US Homes

The United States has an average of 1,300 tornadoes each year. These storms cause over 600 deaths and about $250 million in property damage annually.

The areas most impacted by tornadoes are Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.

Creating an Emergency Plan for Tornado Home Safety

When the weather gets bad, especially during a tornado, it can be hard to think about anything but getting to a safe place.

It’s easy to forget things like shutting off the gas or turning off the water.

The best way to be ready is to create a tornado home safety checklist to help you remember everything that needs to be done before, during, and after a tornado hits.

The first step in creating a tornado home safety checklist is identifying everything that needs to be done in an emergency.

Here are some ideas for what to include:

Turn off all power sources, including gas and water.
Close all windows and doors, especially garage doors.
Move anything outside into the garage or basement.
Move any pets into the basement or garage. Turn on all flashlights and radios (if you have them). Inform others in your home of what is happening.

Before a Tornado

Identify a safe room in your home (a basement or an interior room on the lowest level of your home)

If you have a basement, this is where you should go as soon as possible. If not, find the lowest level of your home and go to that room.

Your safe room should be away from windows and outside walls if you live in an apartment building or high-rise, exit on the ground floor as soon as possible.

Create an emergency plan with your family

The National Weather Service recommends having a plan for every family member, including pets.

Make sure everyone knows what to do if there is a tornado warning. Know where you’ll go and how you will get there in an emergency.

Your family should know where to go in the event of an emergency.

The American Red Cross has many resources to create your safety plan on its website.

It would help if you ensured everyone in your household knows how to turn off water, gas, and electricity at the mains.

Sign up for emergency alerts in your area.

The National Weather Service has a system called “Ready America” that sends out alerts to your cell phone, email, or text during an emergency in your area.

Visit their website to sign up for the service. Also, learn how to use your local radio station as a resource. During a tornado warning, tune in to the station for instructions.

ALSO READ: Is The Laundry Room Safe During a Tornado? [Read This First]

Reinforce your home by installing storm shutters or plywood over windows and securing doors.

If you want to prepare for a tornado, one crucial step is to reinforce your home.

You can do this by installing storm shutters, using plywood to cover your windows, and securing your doors to prevent them from being blown open during the storm.

By taking these steps, you’ll reduce the risk of debris and strong winds entering your home, which could cause severe damage and put you in danger.

Properly securing your home will give you the best chance of staying safe during a tornado.

Here is a simple but important list to have in mind:

Cover windows.
Secure doors.
Strengthen the roof and walls.
Anchor furniture and appliances.
Clear yard of loose items.
Trim trees and bushes.
Consider building a safe room.

Essential Emergency Supplies for Tornado Preparedness

A tornado can leave you without access to clean water or food and may cause power outages.

By stocking up on emergency supplies, you can be better prepared to handle the aftermath of a tornado.

These supplies can help ensure you have the necessities to get through the first few days following a tornado.

A radio with fresh batteries is also essential to stay up-to-date on weather conditions.

Here is a list of the principal emergency supplies to stock up on for tornado preparedness:

Water: Have one gallon of water per person daily for at least three days for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes.
Non-perishable food: Stock up on foods that won’t spoil, such as canned goods, protein bars, and dried fruit. Be sure also to have a manual can opener on hand.
First-aid kit: In case of injury, it’s essential to have a well-stocked first-aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, and gloves.
Flashlight with extra batteries: Power outages are common during tornadoes, so having a reliable flashlight with extra batteries is essential for navigating the dark.
Personal hygiene items: These can include things such as soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper.

During a Tornado

Seek shelter immediately in a safe room or basement.

If you do not have a safe room or basement, go to the lowest level of your home and cover yourself with pillows, cushions, and mattresses. Do not seek shelter in a bathroom.

If you don’t have a safe room, go to an interior room on the lowest level of your home, away from windows and exterior walls.

Do not open your windows. If you have access to a basement, go there immediately. If you are outside when a tornado strikes, the best place to take shelter is an underground storm shelter or basement.

Cover yourself with blankets or a mattress to protect against flying debris.

During a tornado, flying debris is one of the most significant dangers, which can cause severe injuries or even fatalities.

To protect yourself, you should cover yourself with blankets or a mattress. Here are some reasons why:

Cushioning: Covering yourself with blankets or a mattress can provide a cushioning effect, reducing the impact of debris that may hit you.
Protection from broken glass: If windows or other glass structures shatter during the tornado, covering yourself with a blanket or a mattress can help protect you from being injured by flying glass shards.
Shield from other objects: Apart from debris, other things like furniture or household items can also become dangerous projectiles during a tornado. Covering yourself with blankets or a mattress can provide a shield against these objects.
Comfort: During a tornado, you may need to take shelter for an extended period. Covering yourself with blankets or a mattress can provide comfort and warmth while you wait for the storm to pass.

Examples of items to use for protection:

Heavy blankets or comforters
Mattresses
Sleeping bags
Pillows
Sofas or armchairs
Large cushions or pillows
Carpets or rugs

ALSO READ: 8 Tips for Surviving a Tornado While You’re Driving [Here’s How to Stay Alive]

Stay informed about the tornado’s path and updates from local authorities.

Staying informed about the tornado’s path and updates from local authorities is crucial for your safety.

Here are some reasons why you should stay informed:

Awareness of danger: Staying informed about the tornado’s path can help you understand the level of risk you’re facing. You can make informed decisions about how to protect yourself and your family.
Evacuation notices: In some cases, authorities may issue evacuation notices in the tornado’s path. By staying informed, you can receive these notices and evacuate if necessary.
Shelters and resources: Local authorities may also provide information about available shelters and help during a tornado. By staying informed, you can access these resources and stay safe.
Real-time updates: Tornadoes can be unpredictable, and their paths can change quickly. Staying informed about real-time updates from local authorities can help you stay ahead of the storm and take necessary precautions.

After a Tornado

Wait for instructions from local authorities before returning home.

After a tornado, it’s essential to wait for instructions from local authorities before returning home. Here’s why:

Safety concerns: Tornadoes can cause significant damage to homes and buildings, and there may be safety concerns such as gas leaks, downed power lines, or structural damage. Local authorities must assess the damage and ensure it is safe to return.
Clean-up process: Cleaning up after a tornado can be dangerous and requires proper equipment and expertise. Local authorities may guide how to clean up and dispose of debris safely.
Utility services: Some cities can disrupt water, electricity, or gas services. Contact your local authorities for up-to-date essential services will be reestablishment.

Avoid hazards like broken glass, downed power lines, or gas leaks.

Be cautious of hazards that may be present. Here are some dangers to be aware of:

Broken glass: Wear shoes and protective clothing when walking around to avoid injuries from broken glass.
Downed power lines: Tornadoes can knock down power lines, creating a dangerous situation. Always assume that power lines are live and stay away from them. Contact your local authorities to report any downed power lines.
Gas leaks can be a serious problem resulting from broken gas lines and gas release, potentially leading to fires or even explosions. If you smell gas in the area, you must leave immediately and contact your gas company or local authorities.
Electrical switches: Make sure not to turn on any electrical switches or light matches as they can ignite the gas.
Structural damage: Pay attention and inspect your home for damage. Structural damage can make buildings unsafe to enter, so wait for local authorities to deem them safe.
Debris: Tornadoes can create a lot of trash, including fallen trees, broken branches, and other objects that can cause injuries. Be cautious when walking around, and be aware of your surroundings.

Contact your insurance company to report any damage to your home or property.

Contact the insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage to start the process of filing a claim and receiving compensation for any repairs or replacements that may be necessary.

Be sure to contact your insurance company, as some policies may have time limits for filing claims.

Take photos of the damage to provide evidence to your insurer.

It’s a good idea to take photos of the damage to your home or property after a tornado. So that you can show your insurance company the extent of the damage to ensure you receive the coverage you need to get your home and property back to normal as quickly as possible.

Take photos from all angles, including any debris or hazards you see. You should also add information like the date, time of day, and weather conditions.

It’s best to have digital copies of your photos and printed documents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tornadoes are unpredictable and destructive natural disasters that can cause significant damage to homes and properties.

Thinking ahead is decisive in preparing for a natural disaster like a tornado. Creating a tornado safety plan will help you the next time a tornado threatens your home.

Remember, being prepared can make all the difference in keeping yourself and your family safe.

This tornado home safety checklist has helped provide you with the information you need to stay safe during a tornado.

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