Spring Is considered tornado season in large parts of the country, but we need to keep in mind tornadoes may strike in any state and any time of the year when conditions are favorable for tornado formation. Even Alaska and Hawaii have experienced a handful of tornadoes in the past, so no location is exempt.
I have two experiences with tornadoes, fortunately neither were serious. The first was when I was home alone in junior high school watching television and the tornado warning for our area was broadcast. Our family had discussed what to do during a tornado, so I promptly departed the family room for the basement. Fortunately, the tornado lifted off the ground in our area causing some tree damage but little else. However, had the funnel been on the ground homes could have been severely damaged.
The second experience was when I was driving through farm country and noticed a very dark cloud to my left. I stopped for a few moments as I watched the dark cloud move in front of me. After the storm passed, I continued on my way and I could see several miles ahead a tornado had touched down taking down a few trees and leaving some litter. Had I continued driving I could’ve ended up in a very bad place.
When I was a young student, we had disaster drills in our school, when 10 short bells rang we were to immediately, under teacher supervision, depart the room and sit in the hallways away from windows. Likewise, in our homes we need to have a simple plan to prepare for the possibility of a tornado. Some events like hurricanes and floods provide some level of warning, tornadoes may come very quickly, and advance preparation is critical.
The first step is to prepare basic supplies and have them easily available by packing in a gym bag:
Ensure an emergency first aid kit is available and every family member knows where the kit is stored
Some nonperishable food in the event the home is severely damaged but you’re unable to evacuate
Emergency water supplies
Store three days of medication with your first-aid kit in the event your home is damaged and your unable to obtain medications quickly
Include a battery powered radio with your emergency kit to obtain the latest weather and damage reports
A list of all key family and friend contacts along with phone numbers and electronic communication information
Plan where to find shelter, when the tornado warning was issued in my area I immediately knew where to go and what to do. Keep in mind no expert is able to estimate the strength of a tornado until it has already hit the ground and begun creating havoc. Key principles in establishing a safe location in your home are:
If you have a basement find an area away from windows if possible
If you do not have a basement determine in advance an interior room such as a closet or bathroom away from windows
When possible find a sturdy table or workbench which would be able to provide some protection should debrief all and your location and
Have available a blanket, mattress or a coat to place over your body to protect from flying debris
Mobile homes are extremely dangerous and if at all possible do not stay in a mobile home but immediately find other shelter. In some mobile home locations, they may have a community center or laundry room which would be a better option
While paying attention to weather forecasts, also pay attention to the sky. When the sky turns extremely dark, or a green look out and take cover. Also, a very large and dark low-lying cloud may hide a tornado. Further, if you experience large hail or begin to hear a sound like a freight train immediately take cover and implement your plan.
Your advanced planning, and communication with your family, may well make the difference between serious injury, or worse should a twister rip through your home. Storms like tornadoes have been with us throughout the ages as we learn from Scripture, “when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!" (Job 1:19)
Take the step of learning how to prepare for all disasters, large and small by checking out Ready Christian .
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