Yesterday, I wrote about some things you could do to prepare for flooding in your area. Today, I want to write about tornadoes. Tornadoes can be far more damaging than floods, but careful preparation can significantly reduce the risk of harm to your family. Your local Chapter of The American Red Cross can provide advice more specific to conditions in your area.

If the area where you live experiences tornadoes your family should make a home tornado plan . Pick a spot where family members can gather if a tornado threatens your home. Some safe places may include a basement, a hallway in the center of your house, or even a closet on the lowest floor of the house. If you are caught in a high rise building and don’t have enough time to get to the ground floor move to a hallway in the center of the building. It is important to know what the various storm weather warnings mean, and what you should do when you hear them .

When a tornado is possible, a tornado watch is issued . When a tornado watch is issued, listen to local radio and tv stations for updates. Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado (similar to the sound of a freight train) may alert you.

When a tornado warning is issued and you are already inside, move to the safe place you picked as part of your family tornado plan. Move away from windows, and as close to the center of the house as possible. If you are outside the home when the warning is issued get inside as soon as possible. Lay flat in a ditch or low-lying area if you don’t have enough time to get to your house . If you are in a mobile home or car, get out of the vehicle and head for a safe area, as outlined above.

After the tornado passes, watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area; also, listen to the radio for information and instructions ; use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage; and, do not use candles at any time.

Members of The American Red Cross play an important part in emergencies such as tornadoes, both before and after the tornado has passed. Volunteers can provide you with valuable advice at any time regarding preparations for tornadoes, and afterwards they are very visible in recovery efforts . You can help The American Red Cross to continue their important emergency work by donating a car or another vehicle. These donated vehicles can provide a substantial profit when they are re-sold and will make a real difference in the event of an emergency.

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