Few can be as beautiful yet horrific as a tornado. Those who live in the Midwest are witnesses to the devastation caused by tornadoes. Time and time again, the areas along the so-called Tornado Alley are bombarded by these twisters. And each time, those affected pick up the pieces and move on with their lives. Things would be a lot easier if they just move out and settle somewhere else but for those who can’t, the wisest thing to do is to prepare for a tornado.
Survival Gear to Prepare for A Tornado
Just like in any emergency situation, the secret to surviving is to prepare for a tornado. Part of the preparation is to have the right survival gear for this particular natural disaster.
Food and Water
Your tornado survival kit should consist of some of the basic gear and supplies for any situation. This includes the right amount of food and water supply. Authorities and most preppers recommend three days worth of supplies. One person needs at least one gallon of water a day. That’s half a gallon for drinking based on the recommended 8 glasses of water each day. The other half is for cooking, cleaning and other tasks that necessitate the use of water.
As for food, stay away from perishables. You need foods that are easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, filling, and have long shelf life. Water will be a valuable commodity so it’s better if you don’t need to use it up cooking your food.
The best foods to keep in your tornado shelter include non-perishables such as canned goods, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, nuts, beef jerky, and MREs.
Stock up on baby formula and baby food if you have an infant. You can also keep some pet food if you have pets. You will also need gear to prepare your food. Include a portable stove, cooking and eating utensils, and a can opener in your tornado survival kit.
Survival Gear
You should expect that someone will get hurt in some way while a raging twister is blowing houses and cows nearby. Of course, we don’t want that to happen but you should be ready in case someone is injured.
Keep a first aid kit including among your survival gear. Make sure you have tourniquets and other medical items you may need during such a violent work of nature. Keep helmets (bike helmets will do) for each member of the household. Dust masks will also prove useful during a tornado. Include prescription medications in your kit if you are suffering from an existing condition.
Prepare for a tornado and its possible effects on the electrical lines by stocking up on light and heat sources. You need flashlights, lanterns, headlamp, and candles. Pack enough extra batteries along with lighters, waterproof matches, and other fire starters.
At times like these, you need to stay warm and comfortable. Pack extra clothes particularly warm ones. You’ll also need gloves, hats, jackets, ponchos, and heavy footwear for walking through rubble. Store blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows, in your shelter, as well.
You also need a way to communicate with the outside world. A battery-powered or crank radio will do wonders in keeping up-to-date. The same goes for smartphones provided the telephone lines were not damaged by the tornado. Pack a fully-charged powerbank and extra batteries for your phone.
Pack important documents and family photos in waterproof containers. Keep extra copies as well. You can photocopy or save them in a USB. Keep some cash, credit cards, and an extra set of car keys in your tornado shelter.
Other items you may need to prepare for a tornado include thermal blankets, paracord, multi-tool, duct tape, whistle, signal mirror, light sticks, and hand tools such as hammer, hatchets, and shovels. You may also need weapons for self-defense in case things get violent and people start looting.
When it’s all over, you need to clean up. Aside from the tools, you’ll also need brooms and trash bags.
Finally, you need guidebooks. It’s a wonderful idea to research on how to prepare for a tornado. It’s also wise to take classes in first aid, self-defense, and survival. However, you cannot remember everything. Guidebooks on preparing for a tornado will definitely come in handy.
Dos and Don’ts During A Tornado
First of all, if there is a tornado warning, don’t take it with a grain of salt. Take them seriously as this may very well be a life-and-death situation.
Don’t wait until the tornado is in sight before doing what needs to be done. Tornadoes have varying speeds and it may be too late if you don’t act quickly. Gather the family immediately inside your basement or underground bunker, if you have one. Otherwise, you should stay in the bathroom, a closet, in a center hallway, or under the stairs. Stay away from windows or doors.
Those in a building should stay away from the corners, particularly the southwest corners. They the worst hits during a tornado. Instead, go to the basement or in middle of the building and hide inside a windowless room such as a closet.
If you’re on the road, don’t go under a highway overpass. Contrary to popular belief, it is more dangerous to stay under the overpass as it becomes a sort of wind tunnel once a tornado passes by. Your best course of action is to pull over, leave your vehicle and go inside the nearest building or any sturdy shelter.
What to Do After A Tornado
As mentioned, you should have an emergency plan in place in the event of a tornado or any similar scenarios, for that matter. Know where and when tornadoes usually occur. If you’re in the northern plains, keep your guards up during June and July. Tornadoes are more prevalent in the southern plains from May to June. You have the rest of the year to prepare for tornado season. Make it count.
Your plan should also include a designated meet-up point in case you’re home has been destroyed and the family is separated. The home of a close relative or friend is a good start. Make arrangements with them to be each other’s designated meet-up points.
Before rushing to the meet-up point, make sure it’s safe to come out. Be wary of debris, broken glass, and power lines.
All your gear, supplies, and knowledge on different tornado survival tips will all be for naught if you get rattled and forget everything. Conduct tornado drills every now and then so you and your family know exactly what to do.
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