Dangerous Spring Weather Ahead: Top Ten Things to Do If Caught in a Tornado While at Home – Advice from the City of Obetz
The City of Obetz is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its residents. While rare, tornadoes can be devastating, and it’s crucial to know how to react if one threatens our community. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top ten actions you should take if you face a tornado while at home.
- Stay Informed: Always stay updated with the latest weather alerts. Use a battery-operated weather radio, smartphone apps, or the local news to keep track of tornado warnings in Obetz and surrounding areas.
- Identify a Safe Room: Designate a safe room in your home. This should be a small, windowless interior room or basement, away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Ideally, it should be on the lowest floor of your home.
- Have an Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit containing water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, necessary medications, and important documents. Keep this kit in your safe room.
- Secure Loose Outdoor Items: If time allows, secure or bring inside any loose items in your yard, such as patio furniture or garbage cans, to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
- Protect Yourself from Debris: Use heavy furniture, mattresses, or blankets to shield yourself from flying debris. Head and neck protection is crucial, so consider using helmets.
- Avoid Windows and Doors: Avoid windows, skylights, and glass doors. If an underground shelter is unavailable, get to the lowest level of your home and find a small interior room or hallway.
- Listen for Updates: Keep a battery-powered weather radio or your smartphone with you to listen for updates from the National Weather Service and local authorities.
- Plan for Pets: Ensure you have a plan for your pets. Bring them indoors and have enough supplies for them in your safe room.
- Stay Put Until the All-Clear: Do not leave your safe space until you’re sure the tornado has passed. Sometimes, tornadoes can return quickly, so wait until the official all-clear is given.
- Communicate with Family: Have a plan for communicating with your family members. Everyone should know the safety plan and where to meet after the tornado has passed if they get separated.
The City of Obetz cares deeply about the safety of its residents. Following these ten essential tips can significantly improve your chances of staying safe during a tornado. Remember, preparation is key, and knowing what to do before a tornado hits can be life-saving. Additionally, watch the City of Obetz’s website and social media channels for announcements about shelter openings around the city. Stay informed, prepared, and connected. Stay safe, Obetz!
To stay updated as this storm develops, please visit our Facebook page @CityofObetz.