How to Prepare for a Tornado
Tornado Preparedness
The sky is green and the wind is weird, so it’s just a matter of time before the tornado siren starts. Tornados are unpredictable, but preparing can lower your family’s risk of injury, death, or loss of property if a twister comes to town.
Tornado Facts
The US has more frequent and more severe tornados than the rest of the world. We’re #1! We’re #1!
About 1,000 tornadoes hit the US each year. In an average year, they cause 80 deaths, 1,500 injuries, and more than a billion dollars in damage.
Tornados can be up to two miles wide, but wind determines their severity. The rating scale is F0-F5. F0 are weak tornadoes (72 mph wind). F5 are very violent tornadoes (300 mph wind). F0-F3 are the most common ratings.
How to Prepare for a Tornado
- Create a tornado preparedness kit or purchase a prepackaged emergency kit. Either way, make sure to maintain it.
- Determine your best shelter locations. Underground is great, internal windowless rooms are good. Stay away from windows!
- Stay alert. Yellow sky, dead air, hail without rain, distant roaring, and a visible dust cloud or funnel mean a tornado is nearby.
- Secure your important documents. If it’s a bad storm, everything might get blown away.
- Trim dead tree limbs and keep your yard clear of unsecured stuff. Your patio umbrella could take flight and impale a neighbor.
- Hold regular tornado drills involving the whole family. Don’t forget your pets!
Are You in Tornado Alley?
- Tornado Alley includes Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. This is the sweet spot if you are keen to experience a tornado.
- The rest of the US is at lower risk, but that’s not zero risk. They’re everywhere from the Atlantic Ocean to Denver, and they can form during hurricanes.
A Disaster for Every Season
- May-June is tornado season for the Southern Plains (Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas).
- June-July is tornado season for the Northern Plains (North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota).
- Early spring is tornado season for the Gulf Coast (coastal Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and western Florida).
Don’t Stay in the Car
If you’re driving when the warning hits, laying flat in a ditch is safer than being in your car.
Don’t Try to Watch It
Don’t go to your windows to see what’s happening. Stay in your shelter until the tornado is over.
Don’t Forget your Crank Radio
Power and cell towers may go out while you’re sheltered. A crank radio will keep you updated no matter what.