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Tornado Safety and Preparations | SERVPRO® of Thomaston, Forsyth & Fort Valley
12/20/2021 (Permalink)
Prepare, Prevent, Protect
When you hear the word “tornado,” does the Wizard of Oz come to mind? The movie offered a representation of how intense and destructive tornadoes can be. They don’t have a specific season—and they often come without warning.
We recently saw a slew of tornado damage ravage the South, which is even more evidence that knowing what to do in a storm is important. Take some time to review the basics about tornado safety so that your family knows what to do if a watch or warning is issued.
Start with the three components of any safety strategy:
The 3 P’s—Prepare, Prevent, Protect
**Prepare.** Whether we’re preparing for an event or simply dinner, the more we prepare, the better we feel. The same can be said about preparing for a natural disaster. Anytime a disaster like a tornado strikes, chaos will ensue. Knowing your next steps can help you stay at least a little calmer when faced with an emergency. You can also take some steps to prepare your house and family, such as creating a [safety kit](https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/21-tips-to-prepare-your-home-for-a-natural-disaster/) and determining a meeting place in case your family is separated.
**Prevent.** While a natural disaster isn’t fully preventable, you can do your part in *preventing* the worst from happening to your home. You can often save yourself a good bit of time and money by taking simple actions, like scanning the roof to check for broken or missing shingles or ensuring your gutters are free of debris. If high winds or a tornado are possible, tie down outdoor décor and furniture, or move them indoors. This can help protect your home—and your family—from flying debris.
**Protect.** If a storm is imminent, this is the last stage of your safety protocol. You need to know the actions to take to protect your most valued possession—your family. Read up on the steps you need to take when a tornado watch is issued, and know exactly what to do when a watch progresses to a warning. Specifically, you need to know where you and your family will hunker down to stay clear of potential flying debris and safest in case the home’s structure were to collapse. If you live in a mobile home, have definitive plans about what actions you will take to get to a safe place.