Some of us live in places where a tornado or storm warming is a regular occurrence, especially during the late Spring and Summer months. In “Tornado Alley,” as the Midwest is often called, we’re raised with safety tips burned in our minds not just from the example of our parents, but also from disasters we have witnessed.
Just a couple of years ago, as many as six, yes tornadoes ripped through Kearney, Nebraska along with rain and storms. Each tornado began in the South and headed north east, destroying property along the way. Roofs were torn off, windshields smashed and the huge Expo building at the fair grounds ended up as twisted, unrecognizable rubble.
Our home was not in the path a tornado, but those tornadoes heralded a series of violent storms that brought, a week later, hail so hard and large it destroyed cars and roofs and anything in its path. Some hail ripped right through roofs, leaving homeowners looking up at the sky. Our roof was a casualty of the storm.
Whole towns have been destroyed by one tornado or more, or a storm so violent it destroyed almost as much as a tornado. Safety is an important issue for anyone living in Tornado Alley or who might encounter a violent storm of any kind.
The first tips for anyone who might encounter a tornado or storm is to have a plan. Before a storm hits, know what you are going to do, especially if you have a family because they need to know what to do and where to go as well. A plan helps keep panic at bay.
Keep an eye on the sky. If it darkens, turn on the TV or radio to a local station and listen for any warning sirens.
In a car? Stop, get to a place of safety such as a ditch or impression in the earth. Do not stop under a tree or pole or anything that might be destroyed, wrench up or sent crashing.
At home, check over your home. What room has the fewest windows, or no windows at all. If you have a basement, that’s where you go. If you don’t, as we don’t, choose an interior room with few or no windows. This may be anything from a bedroom, a bathroom to a closet. A tornado or storm often blows out windows and rips off doors, which is why you need to stay away from both.
Our main bathroom is centered in the house and has no windows. When storm warnings sounded, I grabbed the dog, the cat and got the children into the bathroom. But it isn’t enough to have a place. You also need to have items in place, just in case. It is all about safety precautions.
I purchased a portable radio that runs both on batteries (always keep extra in that chosen room) and can be wound up in case the batteries die. Have a radio so you can listen to warnings and the “all clear.” A portable land-line phone or cell phone is also an important item to take into your designated safety room. With a phone you can check the safety of members of the family who are not with you. You will also be able to notify others of your circumstances.
Electricity is often one of the first casualties of a tornado or violent storm. Make sure to have one or more flashlights or lanterns available. When the electricity goes out, it gets mighty dark-even in the middle of the day. (Again for safety have extra batteries in your designated room.)
If you have pets or children, try to to have snacks/food, toys and activities for them to help keep them calm. Keep blankets handy to calm and/or protect. Tell positive stories. Sing songs. Pray. While a tornado may rip through an area and disappear quickly, a violent storm or a series of tornadoes may keep the family trapped in small quarters for anywhere from minutes to hours. Be prepared.
Finally, your attitude makes all the difference in how those around you handle the situation. If you remain calm, most likely, others will as well. Attitude is one of the most important safety tips for not only handling the situation, but if the worst happens-getting out with the least amount of harm.
