What To Do Before and After a Tornado

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

Do not drive on flooded roads

Before, During, and After the Tornado

In the event of a tornado, you need to take precautions in order to stay safe. Here's how to prepare for a potential tornado and what to do in the aftermath of one.

Tornado Preparation

If you know there's a high risk of tornadoes in your area, take the time to learn about how to prepare for one. Tornadoes can happen anywhere, so it's important to be prepared no matter where you live. Familiarize yourself with the types of storms that produce tornadoes and what their warning signs are so that if one does occur, you'll know how to respond.

You will want to pick out a small interior room with no windows on the lowest level of your home as your safe spot. If you have a basement, this is a great place to choose. Know how to get to this place quickly, and ensure you are able to grab pillows, blankets, shoes, couch cushions, mattresses, and anything else that might be beneficial for taking cover and protecting yourself and your family. 

During a Tornado 

When a tornado warning is issued, go immediately to the place you have chosen as safe, such as a basement or interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from windows and doors, which can be blown in by violent winds.

Pay attention to local alerting systems: for current emergency information and instructions, including tornado warnings issued by National Weather Service meteorologists, who monitor conditions nationwide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (www.weather.gov/alerts).

Protect yourself: by wrapping your arms around your head or neck; or by having furniture or blankets placed around you to protect against flying debris; or by lying flat on the low-lying ground outside of any structure (e.g., “take cover”). 

Never attempt to escape a tornado in a car. If outside when a tornado touches down, move immediately toward shelter or an underground location. If these aren't available or aren't accessible quickly enough, find shelter under something that won't collapse on top of you such as a sturdy car or tabletop; if those aren't available either (and they often aren't), lie flat on low ground away from trees and cars; cover yourself with anything heavy like blankets or pillows (if they're handy). 

After a Tornado

After a tornado, there are many things that need to be done. Here are some helpful tips on how to stay safe after a tornado:

Stay away from debris and downed power lines. Do not touch them or anything that may have come into contact with them, such as fences or trees. This is extremely important because the electrical current in the wire can cause serious harm if you come in contact with it, even if it is not visibly damaged. 

If you need help getting out of your home due to injury or other issues, call 911 immediately so an ambulance can pick you up and take care of any injuries needed while being transported to the hospital.

Do not drive on flooded roads. Flooded roads can be very dangerous since they may be washed out under water levels that look like they're only inches deep but actually go much deeper than what meets your eye! You could end up losing control of your car easily when driving through water like this because it will reduce traction between tires and road surface (which happens when there's too much moisture).

While tornadoes are a scary, unpredictable phenomenon, there are ways to mitigate the risks and stay safe. By preparing yourself and your family, monitoring local weather conditions, and knowing what to do at home or in a building when one hits nearby, you can help ensure that your community is ready for whatever nature throws its way.

If you experience tornado damage in your Baytown, TX home or business, give SERVPRO of Baytown/ Channelview a call! We will be here to help!