Tornado Preparedness
April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring a wide range of extreme weather. From winter’s leftovers to tornadoes, those of us in Iowa understand what it means to be ready for anything. In 2024, in just the month of April alone, 49 tornadoes touched down, breaking the previous record of 40 in 2001. While they can be unpredictable, there are several ways that you and your family can prepare before the storm hits.
How can you make sure a tornado doesn’t take you by surprise? Follow the tips below!
Be Prepared Before a Tornado Begins: The first step in being prepared is signing up for local weather alerts. This can be done on your phone or by purchasing a weather radio. It is equally important to conduct tornado drills with your family or household, as it will make it easier and faster to reach a safe location on time. Finally, prepare an emergency kit, which can include items such as a container of water, a first aid kit, a flashlight, food, and other easily accessible items.
Know the Difference Between a Watch, Warning, and Emergency: Weather alerts can be confusing, but it is important to know when to act. A tornado watch is issued to alert the counties or the entire state that tornadoes may occur in your area. A tornado warning indicates that a tornado has appeared on the weather radar or has been sighted nearby. Finally, a rare warning, called a tornado emergency, will be issued if you must take immediate precautions due to catastrophic damage.
How to Stay Safe During a Tornado: When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter immediately. Avoid rooms with windows and heavy furniture, and ensure you evacuate to the basement of your home. If your home does not have a basement, go to the smallest room on the lowest level with no windows. Be sure to take cover by crouching on the floor with your hands behind your neck to protect yourself from debris.
Prevent Further Damage: Ensure that you can return to your property safely and exercise caution when beginning your documentation. Begin with taking detailed photos and videos of the damage to your property, do not remove anything until you have finished. Next, take a detailed inventory of what is lost or damaged, your insurer may ask to inspect it. Finally, board up windows, cover exposed areas with tarps, and keep any records of repairs you have made in the interim.
While a tornado can be frightening, with these tips you can better care for yourself and weather the storm safely.
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