Tornado Season

It is that time of the year where we have to start thinking about severe weather. It is especially important for all of us to be prepared for tornadoes. Tornadoes are very dangerous storms that can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. They can happen at anytime and anywhere so being aware of current weather conditions, such as warnings and watches, can literally save your life. Tornadoes are violently rotating column of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Many of these can bring intense winds that can exceed 200mph.

Unlike floods, tornadoes are generally covered under homeowners insurance policies. Because of the potential for extensive damage, homeowners are strongly advised to review their policies to make sure their coverage is sufficient if a tornado touchdown occurs.

Here are some tips for the upcoming storm season courtesy of http://ready.gov.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

• If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
• Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
• If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS

Prepare NOW

• Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
• Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.

Survive DURING

• Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
• Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
• If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.

Be Safe AFTER

• Keep listening to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
• Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.
• Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.

Using these tips above can certainly help save your life in the event of a tornado. We certainly hope that nothing bad ever happens to anyone of our clients.