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Safety Tips for Tornadoes, Thunderstorms and High Winds

How to Prepare Your Family and Home During a Tornado Watch

From , former About.com Guide

Any time a tornado watch is issued in Central Florida, the American Red Cross Mid-Florida Region offers advice for people to prepare and take steps to mitigate damage. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors by following these steps in case of a tornado, thunderstorm or high winds:

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TORNADO

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan:

  • Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
  • If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing:
  • First aid kit and essential medications.
  • Canned food and manual can opener.
  • At least three gallons of water per person.
  • Protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags.
  • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
  • Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
  • Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
Stay Tuned for Storm Warnings:
  • Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
  • Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means:
      A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
      A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
When a Tornado WATCH Is Issued:
  • Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
  • Be alert to changing weather conditions.
  • Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.
  • Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.
When a Tornado WARNING Is Issued:
  • If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
  • If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
  • If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).
After the Tornado Passes:
  • Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
  • Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
  • Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage
  • Do not use candles at any time.
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