Most tornadoes do not lift houses into the atmosphere. Rather, they can do heavy damage to structures, produce flying debris, and also cause injuries or even worse. Each year in the U.S., there is still an average of 1,000 recorded tornadoes that cause 1,500 injuries and 80 deaths. Here is how to prepare for a tornado and how to stay safe during and after one.
Before
- Find out your community’s tornado risk — tornadoes are common in the Midwest and the Southeast in the U.S.
- Produce a disaster preparedness plan with your family, as well as a crisis kit. Establish where to take shelter and where to meet after a disaster. Exercise a tornado drill at least once annually. Be ready to protect your pets in a crisis, also.
- Know the signs of a tornado: rotating clouds, turning debris or dust on the floor, along with a constant roar. A watch is when the conditions are right for tornadoes to form, and also a warning sign of the approach of an existing tornado. Stay alert for weather reports.
- Protect your house:
- Create a list of items to bring indoors when a tornado is approaching.
- Prune trees and shrubs to create them wind-resistant.
- Reduce the number of loose things in your yard.
- Install permanent shutters on windows.
- Reinforce garage doors.
During
- If you’re in a house, avoid windows and proceed to the lowest area like the cellar. If there is no basement, go to the lowest floor in a room without any windows, such as the bathroom or inner hallway.
- If you’re in an office building, hospital, or high-tech construction, do not use the lift.
- Get under some type of security like a table. Cover yourself with thick paddings, like a mattress or blanket.
- If you’re in a mobile home, go into a secure building instantly. Many tornadoes can wreck a tied-down mobile home.
- If you’re in a car or outside, don’t attempt to outrun a tornado. Escape the car and find shelter underground or in a nearby construction. Do not go under bridges or street overpasses. If you can not reach a safe location, shield your head with your arms and then protect your body with a blanket or coat.
After
- Make certain the storm has passed and proceed to a safe location. Don’t return home until local authorities say it is safe.
- Keep listening for updated information about the tragedy. Let your nearest and dearest know you are safe and check your family’s safety. Help individuals that are injured.
- If you’re trapped, prevent breathing by covering your mouth with a mask or cloth. Don’t shout — deliver a text, bang on a pipe or wall socket, or utilize a whistle instead.
- Stay away from downed wires, ruined buildings, and harmful debris like broken glass or sharp objects.
- Don’t use matches, lighters, and candles — there might be natural gas escapes nearby. Use battery-operated flashlights.
Hurricanes are also quite common natural disasters you need to prepare yourself for. Have a look at how to stay safe during a hurricane. Looking for restoration companies for emergency flooding repair or mold removal solutions, telephone your regional PuroClean office.