When the Center for Disease Control and Prevention asked Twitter users what emergencies they were the most prepared for many said the zombie apocalypse, while we don’t see that happening in the immediate future, something we do need to start preparing for is tornado season.
Tornadoes can happen at any time, but peak season is in between March and June, when the weather changes from chilly winds to warmer, balmier air. An average of 1,200 tornadoes touch down each year and they can often appear with little warning. The best way to prepare for a tornado is to plan ahead and have a Family Emergency Plan in place.
Even if you’re not living in Tornado Ally, disasters can happen anywhere and having an emergency safety plan ready to go can make any situation less frightening.
Tips for creating a Family Emergency Plan:
- Determine a safe meeting place
- Figure out the best way to contact each other if you are separated
- Pets are a part for the family too! Don’t forget to make sure they are taken care of in case of emergency
- Pack a go bag with essentials for at least 72 hours; be sure to include a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, maps, water, snacks, copies of important docs and extra cash.
- Designate someone to safely shut off all utilities
It’s also a good idea to ask about emergency plans at the places your family spends the most time like school and work. If no plan is in place, volunteer to help make one so that your family is safe wherever they are.
Creating a guide ahead of time will help create a feeling of safety and calm during chaos and may even save a life. If you want more information on how to prepare yourself check out the resources listed below, and if you’re ever in a situation where you need temporary housing CRS is here.
Additional resources:
FEMA:
http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/FamEmePlan_2012.pdf
American Red Cross:
National Weather Service:
