For an entire week leading up to the April 2011 storms and tornados that devastated parts of my town and Northern Alabama in general, the local weather forecasters gave us warnings.
We were told to be ready for tornado survival because they saw the emerging weather pattern as it travelled across the country and how dangerous it would likely be. Fortunately, my family knew how to survive a tornado, but all too often, people are caught by surprise.
In our case, we were fortunate that our weather forecaster was taking the incoming storm seriously and you should know that if your local weather experts start talking like this, you need to start planning ahead. Many storms won’t give that much warning, but staying weather aware will give you enough lead time (usually hours at least) to enact your pre-determined tornado plan.
If you live in an area that is vulnerable to tornadoes, such as the Joplin, Missouri area, you have undoubtedly heard the advice to head to your shelter or basement as a severe storm approaches. Tornadoes are such violent events that it’s surprising just how many people haven’t given much thought about tornado survival or where they might find shelter.
So what do you do if you don’t have a shelter or a basement?
Midland GXT1000VP4 36-…
Best Price: $55.24
Buy New $64.99
(as of 02:50 EDT – Details)
1. Go to a friend’s house to survive an oncoming tornado
Consider leaving your home and staying with a friend who has a shelter or basement. Of course, you must ask first! Don’t just assume there will be space for you or that they will even be home. If you’re invited to stay with your friend, you don’t want to be a burden, so bring enough food and water to last your family a minimum of three days. Be…