Comprehensive tornado preparedness tips for families in high-risk areas – safety tips from the team at SLG2, Inc
Storm Season is upon us. If you live in a tornado ridden state, you might have a good idea what to do. During a tornado WATCH, you should double check to ensure you are prepared. A WATCH means the conditions are favorable for a Tornado, and you should be prepared to take shelter; a WARNING means, the (stuff) has hit the fan – there is a tornado spotted – take shelter now. We asked our SLG2, Inc Team what they do to prepare for a storm, and this is the list they came up with:
Emergency Safety Preparations
Be Ready to Implement Your Plan
- Storm shelter readiness: Drag a mattress from the camper into the hallway for children to shelter under if needed
- Communication backup: Make sure you have phone numbers written down in case mobile networks fail and keep your phone charged as long as you can
- Emergency lighting: Place flashlights and lighting sources on every level of your home
- Weather monitoring: Keep a battery-powered weather radio accessible for real-time alerts
- Child safety kits: Pack a go bag for each child with water, snacks, bike helmet, and an air horn
- Personal protection: Keep shoes and rain jacket near your shelter area for quick access
- Power solutions: Have lanterns, flashlights, phone, and power banks fully charged
- Alternative lighting: Solar powered lamps provide reliable illumination during power outages
- Transportation readiness: Make sure vehicles are fully fueled before the storm hits
- Emergency kit maintenance: Regularly sort through your emergency bag to inventory supplies, replacing expired items; include a first aide kit
- Vehicle access: Keep car keys and all outdoor equipment keys (lawn mower/tractor) in your go bag
Personal Readiness Checklist
Be Ready Personally
- Appropriate attire: Don’t sleep naked! Ensure you’re dressed appropriately during storm watches – many of our team had this suggestion; apparently they don’t want to be that one person the news crews find that looks the most disheveled
- Shoes: Keep closed toe shoes at the ready, in case you have to navigate through broken glass
- Firearms: If you carry a firearm, ensure that you have it secured from unauthorized users, if not in your immediate possession, and lock all other firearms (not being used) in their safes.
Pet Safety During Severe Weather
Protect your fur babies during tornado events
Animal control: Keep dog harnesses and leashes in your emergency go bag – some of our teammates have dog crates in their shelter area
Anxiety management: Medicate dogs if they’re prone to storm anxiety
Pet evacuation: Always take your dog with you in the shelter along with their overnight bag filled with food, water and a toy
Property Protection Measures
Property is not near as important as your Personal Protection, but you can save yourself some heartache with these tips
- Outdoor equipment check: Make sure the chainsaw is ready for fallen debris clearing
- Vehicle protection: Cover cars – especially antiques, old glass is expensive to replace
- Flying hazard prevention: Secure all lawn furniture that could become projectiles
- Document security: Place important mail/bills (you know the ones stacked on the kitchen counter) into a briefcase or computer bag in your shelter area; don’t forget to grab your ID (Identification Cards)
- Valuables protection: Lock personal items and jewelry in the gun safe
- Firearms: If you carry a firearm, ensure that you have it secured from unauthorized users, if not in your immediate possession (meaning on your body), and lock all other firearms (not being used) in their safes.
Essential Storm Supplies
Buy Milk and Bread – It’s really not a joke!
- Hydration preparedness: Fill water bottles with fresh water before the storm hits
- Power contingency: Fill the generator with fuel and test operation
- Food preservation: Buy ice and pull coolers forward for refrigerated items
- Accessible nutrition: Ensure non-perishable food supplies are accessible in your shelter area
Final Thoughts on Tornado Preparedness
Having a comprehensive tornado preparedness plan can mean the difference between life and death during severe weather events. The SLG2 team emphasizes that preparation should happen well before storm season, with regular drills and supply checks. Remember that tornado watches give you precious time to implement your checklist, while warnings require immediate action.
For more information on storm preparedness, contact your local emergency management agency or visit ready.gov/tornadoes for additional resources and guidance.
This article contains emergency preparedness tips compiled by SLG2, Inc. Always follow official emergency management guidance during severe weather events.
