Being in the midwest means being susceptible to tornadoes. Indiana is near the end of tornado alley which helps to limit the amount of big and powerful tornadoes. Some of the biggest recorded tornadoes in Indiana were in 1965 and 1990 that were also some of the deadliest. Here are 5 Midwest Tornado Safety tips to help with safety during a tornado and what to do after one.
For any storm, let alone a tornado, being prepared is essential. There is no way of knowing what type of damage the storm can bring. With any storm, their risk of a power outage let alone being trapped or unable to get supplies. Not being on the scale of a hurricane but a tornado can bring a ton of destruction. Having supplies that can last and be ahead of the storm is always a good one. Supplies that should be prepared are water, nonperishable foods, matches or flares, extra clothes/blankets and some way of communication such as a radio with batteries. Cell-phones are only as good as the signal and the duration of the battery. Another item that can come in handy is a flare gun.
During a tornado, the most important thing is safety. Making sure you along with your family and friends, basically whoever you are with, are in a proper safe place in the household or area. Any room where there are no windows and is completely enclosed such as basements, storm cellars or any interior room on the lowest floor. In a high-rise building, pick a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. In a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building.
Making sure you understand the situation is huge during a tornado. The two terms that weather stations use are Watch and Warning. Watch means that the weather conditions are favorable or could develop a tornado. This also means to pay attention and stay prepared. At this point, you can start to get the area ready with supplies and if it turns for the worse, turn off your utilities. A Warning means a tornado has been spotted and to take shelter. Make sure family, friends, pets or anybody that is around you, takes shelter and is a proper safe location.
Once the tornado and storms are over, getting to a safe spot is next. If your home or property is damaged or destroyed, getting everybody to a safe spot to check for injuries. Remember to continue listening to the radio or if you have service with your phone. Once your group is taken care of, if you are trained with first aid or emergency response, checking the area and helping other people.
After the storm is over and hours if not days have passed, all you want to do is get back to normal with your healthy and safe family. Blue River Restoration is the company you need to make sure your property is back to the pre-loss condition. No matter the material, Blue River has it covered. We are able to work with insurance companies as well to help you through the process.
