When we think of Spring Storms, the first and the most fearful thought that many people will have is that of a tornado. “Tornadoes are violent by nature. They are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles.” (American Red Cross) While we often think of them as a Midwest or even Western Phenomenon, tornados can happen anywhere at any time of the year.
The fact that they can happen anywhere makes it imperative that we are always ready to respond when faced with a tornado threat.
The first step in being ready is to have a way of receiving alerts. The cell phone alerts have truly helped notify people during severe weather, but we all have those times at home where we leave them on the charger in another room. A second way to receive alerts, like a weather radio, is an important layer of protect yourself in the event of a tornado.
The second step is to know how to react when you hear the warnings.
The CDC recommends that you:
Go to the basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, center hallway).
Avoid windows.
For added protection get under something sturdy (a heavy table or workbench). Cover your body with a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress. Protect your head with anything available.
Do not stay in a mobile home.
To become “Weather Ready” for a Tornado is easy to do, but takes just a little thought and preparation beforehand. Take the time today to help yourself in a way you may need to be ready one day when you least expect it.
For more information on tornado safety go here( http://1.usa.gov/1kMeQ9E ) to visit an article by Roger Edwards of the Storm Prediction Center (National Weather Service)