Be Prepared

Tornado Season – Be prepared

What is the difference between a tornado watch and a warning? A watch means conditions are favorable. A warning means some rotation has been spotted or a funnel or actual tornado has been seen.

Check your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Create a family emergency plan. Know how you will contact each other, where you will go and what will you do in the event of a tornado.

Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

Have banking and insurance documents back up and stored somewhere safer like a safety deposit box.

Have a tornado supply kit ready and enough fresh drinking water for each family member for up to 3 days.

Include at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and some general tools and supplies.

A weather radio, preferably a NOAA weather radio. The National Weather Service continuously broadcasts updated weather warnings.

Make sure you grab any prescription drugs that may be needed for up to 5 days.

Work gloves and eye protection

Tarps and Rope

Pet cage or dog tie-out cable

Pictures of your pets

Camping gear