Prepare for a Tornado: 9 Simple Steps

Tornadoes are one of nature's most devastating phenomena. According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA), an average year in the United States sees 1000 tornadoes claim approximately 80 lives, causing over 1500 serious injuries and millions of dollars of property damage.

We can't prevent tornadoes, although modern forecasting techniques now provide adequate warnings to prevent loss of life, if individuals take the steps to protect themselves and their families. Take the following steps to prepare for a tornado:

1. Evaluate your risk. If you like in Nebraska or Kansas, preparing for tornadoes should take a high priority. If you live on the coast, prepare for hurricane but keep other possible disasters, like tornadoes, in mind as you plan.

2. Plan for at least three days on your own after the tornado strikes. Even the best prepared emergency response teams will require time to organize resources and personnel, assemble search teams, locate search and rescue dogs and heavy equipment, and there's no guarantee they'll find you first.

3. What's your wind-safe shelter? Be realistic in deciding whether your home provides a tornado-safe shelter. A sturdy basement is usually safe; plan to shelter in the strongest section, near concrete walls or iron plumbing stacks to support a building collapse. A separate root cellar or tornado shelter is good, but be sure the door is sturdy enough not to be ripped off in high winds. Your local fire department will probably be willing to evaluate your shelter. If your home doesn't offer an adequate tornado shelter, locate the nearest public shelter. Determine in advance if the shelter will allow you to bring your pet; if not, plan a place to keep him safe and confined during the storm. Don't risk your life spending precious moments trying to protect your pet!