How To Prepare Your Home for Tornado Season | Billy.com
Tornado season is upon us, and it’s important to prepare in case of severe weather. Preparing your home for a potential tornado can protect you and your family from injury if a twister strikes. Preparing ahead of time also reduces the amount of damage done to your property during a storm. Here’s how to prepare your home for tornado season.
Designate a Shelter Area
When a tornado is imminent, having a designated shelter area in your home is important. The most important factor when selecting this spot is safety. You want the space to be as sturdy and secure as possible. Look for an area with no windows or skylights, such as a basement. If you don’t have a basement, look for an internal room without windows on the ground floor with walls made of solid materials, like brick or reinforced concrete blocks.
Install Storm Shutters
Storm shutters are an important part of protecting your home from the winds that come with a tornado. Storm shutters come in two types: panels or accordion style. Panels typically mount to the outside of windows and doors, while accordion-style storm shutters fold up like an accordion when not in use. When closed, both styles protect against high winds and debris. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before attempting any installation yourself. If you don’t feel comfortable tackling this job alone, there are professionals who specialize in installing these safety features for homeowners.
Create an Emergency Supply Kit
An emergency supply kit is another essential part of preparing for a potential tornado. It should contain enough supplies to last your family several days in case you can’t leave or access basic needs, such as food, water, and medical assistance. So it’s helpful to know the pantry staples to include in your emergency food supply. Essential items include non-perishable foods and at least one gallon of water per person per day. You’ll also need first aid kits, flashlights, extra batteries, and blankets or sleeping bags. It’s important to have copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and driver’s licenses, stored with the kit so that you can easily access them in case you need to evacuate.
Secure Outdoor Items
Securing outdoor furniture and other items is also important. Unsecured objects, such as patio furniture, grills, lawnmowers, and even small decorative items, can become dangerous projectiles during high winds. In order to protect your belongings from becoming a hazard to yourself or others during a storm, it’s best to take them indoors. If that isn’t an option due to space constraints, then secure these items by tying them down with rope or bungee cords. Additionally, you should inspect all structures for any loose parts and use additional anchors to secure them firmly in the ground.
Now that you know effective ways to prepare your home for a tornado, you can use these tips today. Proper preparation will keep your family safe in the face of disaster, so it’s worth the effort.
