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5 Best Ways to Prepare for Tornado Season

Tornado season in Texas takes place in late spring; however, tornadoes can occur anytime throughout the year. If the past few years have taught us anything, it is to be prepared, and prepping for tornado season is no exception. The high winds and whirling debris can cause extensive damage to homes, cars, and other personal property.

Don’t leave anything to chance. Prepare you and your family for tornado season with these quick tips.

Stay Updated on Weather Conditions

A tornado watch can quickly turn into a tornado warning. It is important to listen to the radio to determine when you and your family need to seek shelter. Battery-powered radios are typically inexpensive and can be purchased on Amazon.com or from other retailers. Android and Apple also offer mobile apps to help users stay updated on weather conditions in their area. Freeappsforme.com lists 11 of the best Android and ios tornado alert apps, including Tornado: Red Cross and Storm Guard.

Decide Where to Seek Shelter

Be proactive and create a plan with your family. Decide on the safest place in your home to seek shelter. If you have a basement, consider going there; otherwise, choose a windowless room on the bottom floor. Notify everyone in your family of the location, and decide who will be in charge of grabbing your pets and emergency kit.

In the event that you or a member of your family encounters a tornado while driving, review what you should do to remain safe on the roadway. According to The National Weather Service, a driver can take two courses of action. Option 1 is the safest and most highly recommended. If possible, drivers should go to a nearby location to take shelter. This may be a grocery store, gas station, restaurant, etc. Option 2 is seen as a last resort. They recommend drivers take cover in their car and protect their heads or leave their vehicle to take cover in a ditch or other low-lying area.

Put Together an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is essential in the event a tornado warning is issued. The kit should be filled with enough supplies to last the duration of the storm and its aftermath. Below is a list of items you should include in your tornado emergency kit.

  • Water
  • Non-perishable food items (canned food with a can opener, dried food, baby formula, baby food)
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Whistle (to signal for help if trapped under debris or lost)
  • First-aid kit
  • Cell phone chargers
  • Medicine (over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs)
  • Dust masks
  • Blankets
  • Waterproof ponchos
  • Sanitation supplies (wipes, trash bags, hand sanitizer, diapers, etc.)
Secure Important Documents

When a tornado is approaching, safety is top of mind. Most people forget about securing their important documents. It is best to make copies, print or electronic, and place them in a secure location, such as a fireproof safe. Important documents include, but is not limited to:

  • Birth certificates
  • Social security cards
  • Passports
  • Diplomas
  • Home inventory
  • Will
  • Insurance cards
  • Marriage certificate
Review Your Insurance Policies

When a tornado strikes, you and your family’s safety is the priority. But that doesn’t mean you won’t worry about the damage to your car and home. Call your insurance company today to ensure your policies cover the damage caused by a tornado. If you are an Insureberry customer, call (877) 962-4776 to discuss your coverage with a licensed agent.

Start prepping for tornado season today, and have peace of mind knowing you and your family are prepared. To learn more helpful tips and tricks, follow along on our blog.

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