How to Prepare for a Tornado: A Homeowner’s Guide

Do you live in tornado alley, or anywhere else that tornadoes are a possibility? Tornado deaths in 2020 are higher than in any year since 2011, so it’s important to protect your home and family. 

So, do you know how to prepare for a tornado? What can you do to minimize the damage?

We want to offer some advice so you can be prepared. Keep reading to learn all about how to prepare your home for a tornado. 

Have a Shelter or Safe Room

There’s no way to tornado-proof your entire home. Tornados will tear down anything in their path that isn’t reinforced with cement or metal (and sometimes those things aren’t even enough).

Being in your house during a tornado is scary. You never know what’s going to be wiped away. This is why it’s a good idea to have a safe room or a shelter for when disaster strikes. 

If you have enough time, look into community storm shelters. Universities in tornado or hurricane areas may have them, as well as some community centers and workplaces. 

It’s also a good idea for residents of common tornado areas to have storm shelters in their homes. They’re often small enough to stay in basements or other structures so you don’t need to make a whole new space. 

Keep a Tornado Kit

When a tornado hits you might not have time to gather essentials. This is where it comes in handy to have a pre-prepared tornado kit in or near your tornado shelter or saferoom. They’re also good to have in closets near the front door (if you plan on relocating to a shelter) as well as in your car.

Inside this tornado kit, you should have water, some kind of accessible and nonperishable food items, cash, disinfectant wipes, chargers, and a flashlight. It’s also a good idea to have a spare set of clothing and a first-aid kit. 

You should also keep all important documents in one place that’s easy to get to in the event of a tornado or a safety deposit box. This includes things like birth certificates, the deed to the house, insurance information, and financial records. 

Know the Warning Signs

Make sure you know the warning signs of a tornado as well as the signals that your area sends out.

Places that experience tornados often are sure to have a tornado alarm. Your local weather channel should also put out a tornado warning if there’s even an inkling that a tornado could make landfall. While you don’t have to panic when the warning happens, you should be ready to move. 

Look out for heavy rain and wind, humidity, and a greenish tone to the sky. 

Do You Know How to Prepare for a Tornado? 

Tornado preparation is no joke. These storms leave devastation behind them and you want to do your best to stay as safe as possible. Knowing how to prepare for a tornado can mean the difference between life and death. 

Make sure you’re prepared. 

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