A tornado can be a catastrophic weather event, no matter the size and severity of the storm. If you live in a region where tornadoes are common, you can keep yourself safe by following specific guidelines. Here are the basics for staying safe during a tornado:
Preparing an emergency kit with essential items will help you stay safe during a tornado. Your emergency kit should include first aid supplies, drinking water and some non-perishable food for everyone in your household (including pets). Other important things to have during a tornado include a battery-operated radio, spare batteries and flashlights.
Paying close attention to the weather conditions can help you stay safe in the event of a tornado. Pay attention to local TV and radio stations for updates on the situation and get the latest news. If you can access the internet, you may be able to monitor the situation that way too.
If you stay alert, and pay attention to changing weather, there are signs you can observe on your own. These signs include dark or green-colored sky, hail and large low-lying clouds.
The main cause of injury during a tornado is flying debris, which makes it imperative to have a safe place to take shelter. Some locations are significantly safer than others depending on your situation. If you have a basement or underground shelter, head there immediately.
If you don't have access to an underground space, take shelter in an interior room with no windows. The more walls there are between you and the wind, the safer you'll be from debris and broken glass. It can also help to take cover under something sturdy like a heavy table. Most importantly, keep your head protected with whatever you have available.
As long as you stay alert and plan accordingly, you'll be much safer during a tornado. Keep these basic tips in mind when discussing disaster preparedness with your household.
Lynn Butterfield is an Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker and is a Certified Real Estate Negotiator. Mr. Butterfield has 41 years of experience in real estate sales and development. His vast experience ranges from luxury sales through commercial sales and leasing. Perhaps more importantly, he focuses his attention on client success, whether he's helping someone buy their first home, or working with a developer seeking assistance to create and position a large project in the marketplace. One recent client said, "Working with Lynn is almost like working with a Real Estate Attorney, because he knows exactly what to look for, so you can be protected!" Another first-time home buyer just said, "I needed someone to hold my hand through this because it's the largest investment we'll ever make! I know he isn't in this just to make a quick buck. He really cares about his clients!"
Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. He would be honored to put his real estate experience to work for you.