8 Things to Do to Prepare for a Tornado

By    |   Thursday, 16 June 2016 06:14 PM EDT ET

Tornadoes can strike without warning, so it is important to prepare for a tornado ahead of time and know the danger signs.

Tornadoes can destroy structures in seconds, and can appear during clear weather conditions or within tropical storms and hurricanes.

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Although these violent storms can emerge suddenly, here are eight things to do to prepare for a tornado:

1. Always have an emergency kit available in the home to deal with any disaster. The kit should include food, water, and other supplies that will last at least 72 hours in the aftermath of a tornado, according to Ready.gov, the official website for the Department of Homeland Security.

2. Keep a radio or NOAA weather radio handy to listen to the latest weather information. If a tornado may be approaching, follow the instructions from emergency management personnel.

3. Know the difference between a tornado watch, which means tornadoes are possible or nearby, and a tornado warning, which means a tornado has been sighted or found through weather radar.

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4. Knowing changing weather conditions helps to warn of a possible tornado. These signs include a dark or greenish sky or a large, dark, low-lying cloud. A load roar that sounds like a freight train often indicates a tornado. Large hail also may be a danger sign of a tornado.

5. Become familiar with your community’s warning system. Although tornadoes may occur more often in certain areas of the country, all 50 states are affected by the storms and may have different warning signals or sirens to alert citizens.

6. Develop a family emergency plan. With a tornado, it’s a good idea to choose a safe room where all family members and pets can stay until the tornado is over. Safe spaces to prepare for a tornado might include the basement or a room that has no windows and is on the lowest floor. The American Red Cross suggests having periodic drills in case of a tornado or other disaster.

7. Maintain a secure safe room with better protection or reinforcement.

8. Keep the yard clean of debris, lawn furniture, hanging plants, or tree limbs in preparation for a tornado since these things can easily be tossed around and cause damage.

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Tornadoes can strike without warning, so it is important to prepare for a tornado ahead of time and know the danger signs. Tornadoes can destroy structures in seconds, and can appear during clear weather conditions or within tropical storms and hurricanes.
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2016-14-16
Thursday, 16 June 2016 06:14 PM
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