When summer weather heats up, there’s extra energy in the air that can lead to powerful storms whenever a cold front blows through. In the Ozarks that often leads to strong winds and sometimes tornados. While tornados don’t usually lift houses completely into the air, they can cause significant damage and the flying debris can cause serious injuries or worse. Preparing for tornado season is essential to help keep your family safe and minimize the potential storm damage in Springfield Missouri.
Before a Tornado Occurs
When severe weather is in the forecast, make sure you monitor the weather closely and have a disaster plan prepared ahead of time with your family. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand. The whole family should know where to take shelter if there is a tornado and where to meet up after a disaster occurs. It’s a good idea to practice a tornado drill yearly and make sure you know how to protect pets if a tornado occurs.
A tornado watch occurs when the conditions are favorable for a tornado to form, and a tornado warning happens when there is an active tornado in the area. Keep an eye on weather reports during adverse weather and look for signs of a tornado. These include rotating clouds, dust or debris on the ground that’s whirling, and a loud, continuous roar.
To protect your home, before the storms blow through, make a list of anything that needs to be brought inside if a tornado warning is in effect. You should also prune the trees and shrubs on your property so they’re more resistant to strong winds. Remove as many loose items from your yard as possible. It’s also a good idea to install permanent shutters on the windows and reinforce your garage doors.
What to Do During a Tornado
If there is a tornado warning, stay away from windows and go to the basement, if possible. If there isn’t a basement, opt for the lowest floor and a room that doesn’t have windows, like the bathroom or a hallway. In an office or other high-rise building, avoid the elevator and move to a lower level, staying away from windows and glass.
It’s a good idea to get under something that can provide protection, like a table. Use a thick blanket or mattress as cover, crouch as low as possible, and use your hands to cover your head.
Those who live in mobile homes should go to a safe building quickly, as tornadoes can destroy mobile homes. Those who are in a car should find shelter immediately. Avoid going under bridges or overpasses.
What to Do After the Tornado
After the storm has passed, if your home has sustained significant damage, go to a safe place and do not return home until local authorities have stated it is safe. Listen to emergency broadcasts for information on the disaster and check in with loved ones so they know you’re safe. If you are trapped, cover your mouth so you don’t breathe in dust or other contaminants. Instead of yelling, send a text message or try banging on a wall. Avoid downed wires, damaged buildings, and any debris that could be dangerous. Opt for battery-operated flashlights to see, as there could be natural gas leaks nearby and matches, lighters, and candles will not be safe to use.
Tornados can be dangerous, but by preparing ahead of time and following these safety tips, you have a much better chance of staying safe. If you ever experience water damage from a tornado or other significant storm damage, call the professionals at PuroClean Certified Restoration to do the property damage restoration job right.