Many tornadoes don’t lift houses into the air. Rather, they’re able to do heavy damage to buildings, produce flying debris, and also cause injuries or even worse. Annually in the U.S., you will find an average of 1,000 listed tornadoes that cause 1,500 injuries and 80 deaths. Here is how to get ready for a tornado and how to remain safe during and after one.
Before
- Find out your community’s tornado risk — tornadoes are most common in the Midwest and the Southeast from the U.S.
- Produce a disaster preparedness plan with your loved ones, in addition to a crisis kit. Establish where to take refuge and where to meet after a disaster. Practice a tornado drill at least once annually. Be prepared to safeguard your pets in an emergency, too.
- Know the signs of a tornado: rotating clouds, turning debris or dust on the floor, along with a continuous roar.
- Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A watch is when the conditions are right for tornadoes to form, and a warning signals the approach of a present tornado. Remain alert for reports.
- Shield your house:
- Make a list of things to bring indoors when a tornado is approaching.
- Reduce the total amount of loose things on your lawn.
- Install permanent shutters on windows.
Throughout
- If you are at a house, prevent windows and go to the bottom area like the cellar. If there is no basement, go to the lowest floor in a room with no windows, for example, a bathroom or internal hallway.
- If you’re in an office building, hospital, or high-tech building, don’t use the elevator.
- Get beneath some type of protection like a sturdy table. Cover yourself with thick paddings, like a blanket or mattress. Crouch as low as possible facing down and cover your head with your palms.
- If you are at a mobile home, go into a safe building instantly. Most tornadoes can mess a tied-down mobile home.
- If you are in a car or outdoors, do not attempt to outrun a tornado. Get out of the car and find shelter underground or in a nearby construction. Don’t go under bridges or street overpasses. If you can not reach a safe place, protect your head with your arms and then protect your body with a blanket or coat.
- Listen to alerting systems like NOAA Weather Radio for up-to-date emergency information and directions.
After
- Make sure the storm has passed and gone to a safe location. Don’t return home until local authorities say it is safe.
- Keep listening for updated information about the disaster. Let your loved ones know you’re safe and assess your household’s safety. Help those who are injured.
- If you are trapped, avoid breathing by covering your mouth with a cloth or mask. Don’t shout — deliver a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead.
- Stay away from downed wires, ruined buildings, and dangerous debris like broken glass or sharp objects.
- Do not use matches, lighters, and candles — there might be natural gas escapes nearby.
Hurricanes are also quite frequent natural disasters you should prepare for. Have a look at how to remain safe during a hurricane. For emergency flooding repair or mold removal solutions, call your local PuroClean office, check out their website for more information.
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