4 Things to Keep In Mind When Preparing For a Tornado

April, May, and June are peak months for tornadoes in the Tornado Alley. While this might bring about a stressful and challenging time for residents, the two critical means to ensure safety are preparation and action. Let’s look at the example of fire drills; every building usually conducts a fire drill to ensure that the people present know precisely how to react and what to do in case of a fire emergency. Similarly, natural disasters also require preparation and planning to curb damages. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe in case of a tornado:

1. Design a Safe Room

This is one of the primary things to do when preparing for a tornado. These are specialized rooms that are designed to withstand the pressure and impact of high-speed winds. You can build this room in your basement, on the main floor, or even as a standalone, depending on the availably of space. The area should be far away from any doors or windows through which wind and debris can come through.  

• Pack An Emergency Box

You need to have all first-aid supplies and necessary medications on hand in case of an emergency. Next, pack tons of bottled water to stay hydrated and food to eat while you’re inside. Keep three to four days in mind while packing. You can also keep a flashlight with a few batteries and a radio to keep up with weather updates.

If you have a pet, be sure to keep their essentials on hand too. If any of your family members have a disability, be sure to carry all their required medication or assistive equipment. Keep a power bank on hand to charge your phone if the battery dies out, and text your loved ones when you enter the shelter. 

• Keep Your Important Documents

Make a copy of all your essential documents such as passports, birth certificates, house leases, ID cards, educational documents, medical records, etc. If you’re unable to return to your home, you know you have all the important things on hand. It’s also good to keep some extra cash.

• Make An Emergency Plan And Assign Responsibilities

Make an emergency plan for your family and do a test run often to ensure everyone is on track and knows what to do in case of a crisis. Keep all your essentials near your shelter, packed and easy to carry. If you have children, talk to them about the emergency plan in a fun, interactive way so they don’t panic and follow your instructions when needed.

AtOklahoma Shelters, we have been installing storm shelters for over seven years in OKC. We offer a range of storm shelters, including concrete shelters, underground cement shelters, garage shelters, and safe rooms.

Call us at 405-367-7901 for a free quote on storm shelters in Oklahoma.