A thin funnel stretches down from the dark sky. The swirling whirlwind touches the ground and charges ahead.<\/p>\n
Spring brings sunny days and chirping birds. But it\u2019s the start of tornado season, which peaks in April and lasts through June.<\/p>\n
Prepare now to stay safe before, during, and after a tornado.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Before the Tornado<\/b><\/h2>\n
Tornado Watch<\/b><\/h3>\n
Tornado Watch<\/b><\/h3>\n
A tornado watch means the current conditions could lead to a tornado in your area. Move your disaster kit into your shelter room or basement if you don\u2019t store it there.<\/p>\n
Talk to your wireless carrier about Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). With these alerts active on your phone, you’ll get a notification when a serious storm is in the area.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Disaster Kit<\/b><\/h3>\n
Ready.gov\u00a0<\/b><\/a>says you should keep these items in a disaster kit:<\/b><\/p>\n A tornado could damage your home and the things you own. You don\u2019t want to guess when you report values to your insurance company.<\/p>\n Use an app like Sortly or Encircle to\u00a0create a home inventory list<\/a>. Or, take pictures with your phone and write details in a notebook.<\/p>\n Keep a copy of your home inventory list in a safe location outside your home, and give a second copy to\u00a0your insurance agent<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Have you made recent renovations to your home? This could include finishing the basement, remodeling the kitchen, or updating electrical systems.<\/p>\n Report these changes to your insurance agent to keep your homeowners coverage up to date. When you don\u2019t share these updates, you won\u2019t receive the full value of the home in the event of a total loss.<\/p>\n What happens when a tornado has been sighted in your area? A tornado warning is issued, and you should move fast to bring your pets and yourself inside.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Go to the basement, a small interior room, or a hallway on the lowest level. If possible, crouch under a heavy table or staircase.<\/p>\n Avoid the corners of the room and stay away from windows. Strong winds can shatter glass and cause bad cuts and other serious injuries.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n A tornado can lift a mobile home and toss it a few miles. That\u2019s because this kind of home isn\u2019t rooted to a foundation.<\/p>\n You’re better off seeking shelter under a sturdy structure if there’s one nearby. Avoid taking cover under trees. If you have nowhere else to go, lie down in a culvert or ditch with your hands protecting your head.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Leave your car when a twister breaks out. Try to find shelter or a deep depression in the ground. Don\u2019t stop under a bridge or highway underpass, as these can crumble and create falling debris.<\/p>\n Tornadoes move as fast as 60 to 70 mph. They change directions, too, so don\u2019t try to outrun them in your car.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Most schools are big enough to offer reliable shelter from tornadoes. The interior hallways and stairwells offer protection from heavy winds and debris.<\/p>\n Debris travels through large spaces like gyms and cafeterias, so try to avoid them. Never go outside to playgrounds or parking lots, and always follow the school’s storm safety procedures.<\/p>\n The danger increases when you move up in a building. Seek shelter on the lowest level without overcrowding.<\/p>\n Hopefully, the tornado passes through and does minimal damage to your community. Stay tuned to your local weather channel during this time. You need to know if another storm could show up soon.<\/p>\n Check your surroundings, but\u00a0don\u2019t treat serious injuries if you aren\u2019t qualified<\/a>. Only administer CPR if you\u2019re trained to do so.<\/p>\n After you\u2019re in the clear, reach out to your family and friends through text message or social media. Weather could prevent your calls from going through. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n
Home Inventory List<\/b><\/h3>\n
Home Renovations<\/b><\/h3>\n
During the Tornado<\/b><\/h2>\n
Tornado Warning<\/b><\/h3>\nIn Homes<\/b><\/h3>\n
In Mobile Homes<\/b><\/h3>\n
In Vehicles<\/b><\/h3>\n
In Schools<\/b><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
After the Tornado<\/b><\/h2>\n
Making It Through the Aftermath<\/b><\/h3>\n