This time of year can get a little scary from time to time. One thing to remember, you can never be too prepped! A tornado preparedness kit is a good idea. When tornado producing storm systems develop they can move very fast. By the time a tornado touches the ground, people in its path may have a very sort or NO warning time to seek shelter. Having a kit in your storm safe place is a good idea. Here are a few things to have in your kit…
- A Whistle (in case you get trapped under debris)
- A small radio, preferably a battery powered radio
- A flashlight
- Canned food or power bars
- A hand-powered can opener
- A few small plastic dishes and silverware
- Two small blankets
- A phone
- A few water bottles
- A first aid kit (Band-Aids, cloth, ect.)
- Money (preferably small bills)
- A car charger for your cell phone
- Medicines
- A spare set of keys to your vehicle and home
- An extra change of clothes for each person
- Anything you may need for pets
- Anything you may need for children
- A multipurpose tool
Tornado Watch
When the National Weather Service (NWS) determines that conditions are right for tornadoes to form they will issue a watch. A tornado watch does not indicate that a tornado has formed or been identified. Instead, it indicates that the conditions are favorable for a tornado to form and that people in the area should remain vigilent and regularly follow the NWS for updates.
Tornado Warning
A tornado warning is more serious because it confirms that a tornado has formed and is visible on the radar. When a warning has been issued for your area, you should immediately seek shelter. You should not leave your storm shelter or safe area until the warning for your county has expired. In most cases, you should not attempt to leave the area in a car.
