Welcome to my blog on staying safe during Tornado Season. As someone who has experienced the aftermath of a tornado, I can tell you firsthand how scary and dangerous it can be. The good news is that there are things you can do to minimize your risk and stay safe during this unpredictable time. Here are 10 essential tornado safety measures to keep in mind.

1. Stay Informed 📲

The first and most important step in staying safe during tornado season is staying informed. Listen to local news and radio stations for emergency updates, and sign up for emergency alerts on your phone. Make sure you are aware of the tornado warning signs, such as dark, greenish skies, large hail, and a roaring noise.

A phone displaying a tornado warning alert notification

2. Create a Tornado Emergency Plan 📝

Creating a plan can make a big difference in the event of a tornado. Talk to your family about evacuation routes, where to meet up, and what emergency supplies you need to have on hand. Find shelter in a basement or storm cellar if possible. If you don’t have access to either, go to the lowest level of your home and stay away from windows.

A family discussing their tornado emergency plan

3. Stay Away From Windows 🚫

Windows are dangerous during a tornado, as they can break and cause injury. Find shelter in a room without windows, or cover them with blankets or curtains if no other option is available.

A shattered window after a tornado passed

4. Have an Emergency Kit Ready 🎒

In your emergency kit, include things like non-perishable food, water, a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, and extra batteries. Keep your kit in an easily accessible place, and make sure everyone in your family knows where it is.

An emergency kit with supplies including water, food, and first aid items

5. Protect Your Head 💆‍♀️

During a tornado, it’s important to protect your head from flying debris. Wear a helmet or use a pillow to cover your head and neck.

A person wearing a protective helmet during a tornado

6. Drive Safely 🚙

If you’re driving during a tornado, stay alert for updates on the radio and be prepared to take shelter. If you can’t find shelter, abandon your car and find a low spot to lie down in, like a ditch or culvert.

A car overturned and destroyed during a tornado

7. Avoid Power Lines ⚡️

Power lines can be deadly during a tornado. Stay away from them and report downed power lines to emergency services.

A downed power line sparking and on fire after a tornado

8. Prepare Your Home 🏠

Make sure your home is prepared for a tornado by securing loose items and trimming trees around your property. Invest in storm shutters and reinforce your garage door to help protect your belongings.

Storm shutters on a house protecting it during a tornado

9. Stay Calm and Patient 🧘‍♀️

In the event of a tornado, it’s important to stay calm and patient. Follow your emergency plan, take shelter, and wait for the storm to pass. Keep in mind that the aftermath of a tornado can be chaotic, so be patient as local emergency services assess the damage.

A person relaxing and staying calm during a tornado

10. Help Your Community 🤝

After a tornado, help your community by volunteering with local organizations and donating to relief efforts. Every little bit helps those affected by the storm.

Volunteers helping out with tornado relief efforts

That concludes my list of 10 essential tornado safety measures. Remember to stay informed, create a plan, and always be prepared during tornado season. Stay safe out there! 👋🌪

An illustration of a tornado with lightning and rain, representing the content of the blog