Ultimate Guide: How to Survive a Tornado and Keep Your Kids Safe

May 24, 2024

Knowing how to survive a tornado is crucial, especially if you reside in areas often hit by severe weather and thunderstorms that spawn these destructive phenomena. Tornadoes, with their fierce winds and unpredictable paths, pose a significant threat to life and property. By adopting tornado safety measures, engaging in tornado preparedness, and understanding tornado survival tactics, you can greatly enhance your chances of safeguarding yourself and your loved ones. This guide aims to arm you with storm safety knowledge and actionable steps to shield you and your family from harm during such extreme conditions.

Prepare a Tornado Emergency Kit

Essential Items to Include

- Backpack or Storage Tub: To accommodate all of your essentials, opt for a sturdy backpack or a durable storage tub, a key component of disaster preparedness.
- Safety and First Aid: Include a comprehensive first aid kit, N-95 respirators for breathing protection, and emergency thermal blankets for warmth.
- Tools and Equipment: Pack a manual food can opener, a versatile multipurpose tool, and an extra battery-operated flashlight to ensure visibility.
- Communication Devices: Ensure you have a flashlight, a whistle to signal for help, and a battery-operated or hand-cranked radio to stay updated with weather alerts.

Keeping the Kit Accessible

- Your basement or an interior room designated as a shelter are ideal places to store your tornado emergency kit, making it easily accessible during a storm and serving as your storm shelter.
- Avoid burying the kit under other items. It should be readily accessible in case you need to evacuate immediately.

Water and Non-Perishable Food

- Water Supply: Aim for a three-day supply of water and sanitation by storing at least one gallon of water per person per day.
- Food Supply: Ensure you have a sufficient stock of non-perishable foods such as energy bars, canned goods, and ready-to-eat meals. Remember to include a manual can opener if your selection includes canned items.
- Special Dietary Needs: Consider any special dietary requirements of your family members, including pet food, baby formula, or items tailored for individuals with specific health conditions.

Create Safety Plan Before a Tornado

Dad is teaching his daughter about tornado in iPad

Tornado Watches vs. Tornado Warnings

Understanding the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning is crucial for your safety plan. A tornado watch indicates a significant chance of tornadoes developing in your area, urging you to stay alert, review your safety procedures, and ensure your emergency supplies are ready. Conversely, a tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or detected by radar, signaling immediate danger. At this point, it's imperative to move swiftly to a pre-determined safe area, keeping an eye out for tornado signs.

Safest Locations in Your Home

Identifying the safest spots in your home for shelter during a tornado is essential. The lowest level, far from windows and exterior walls, typically offers the most protection. Interior spaces like closets, bathrooms, or under stairwells, provide added safety due to fewer windows and additional structural support. Ensuring these areas are easily accessible and free from obstructions can be a key aspect of basement tornado safety.

Establish a Family Meeting Point

Creating a family plan that includes a designated meeting spot both inside and outside your home in case of a tornado is a proactive step towards emergency preparedness. Inside, choose a central area like a hallway or bathroom as a safe gathering point. Outside, pick a recognizable and accessible landmark near your home. Regular discussions about these emergency plans with your family, including children and those with disabilities, are essential for ensuring everyone knows how to reach these safe spots.

Practice Tornado Drills Regularly

Conducting regular tornado drills ensures that each member of your household knows exactly what to do and where to go if a tornado warning is issued. Organize these drills at least twice a year, simulating different scenarios, such as when family members are in various parts of the home. Practicing how to quickly locate your safe spots, drop to the ground, and adopt the tornado drill position by covering your head with your arms can significantly reduce reaction times and prevent injuries during an actual tornado.

During a Tornado: What to Do

Children is staying cautious since the tornado

Seek Immediate Shelter

If a tornado warning is announced, immediately proceed to your safe room, basement, or an interior area away from windows, bringing pets along if possible. In professional or educational settings, calmly and quickly move to the designated tornado shelter area, adhering to your practiced storm drills. Avoid places with large spans, such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, and seek shelter in storm safe shelters or community shelters.

Safety Measures if Caught Outside or in a Vehicle

Should you find yourself outside as a tornado approaches, seek refuge in a sturdy building immediately. Avoid seeking shelter in insecure structures like tents, mobile homes, sheds, or storage buildings. If you're in a vehicle and can't reach a shelter, either crouch low under the vehicle to protect your head or find a low-lying area, such as a ditch or ravine, for safety. It's critical to understand that staying in your car or seeking shelter under it can significantly increase the risk of injury.

Using Helmets for Extra Protection

Wearing a helmet during a tornado can significantly enhance your protection, safeguarding your head from flying debris or impacts. Whether it's a basic cycling helmet or a more robust motorcycle helmet, any helmet is better than none. The helmet's outer shell can help deflect objects, while its padding can absorb shock, effectively helping to cover your head.

Staying Informed During a Tornado

Keeping abreast of tornado watches and warnings through local news, NOAA Weather Radio, or other reliable sources is vital for timely and informed decision-making. For those on the move, having a disaster supply kit in your vehicle, equipped with essentials like a blanket, flashlight, and road flares, can be invaluable in staying prepared for a tornado alert system.

After a Tornado: Ensuring Safety

Mom is comforting her children after the tornado incident ended

Address Emotional and Psychological Needs

The emotional and psychological impact of tornadoes can be significant. It's important to reassure your family that the situation is temporary and encourage open discussions about feelings and concerns, particularly among younger family members. Adults should also be mindful of their emotional well-being, seeking professional help for anxiety, depression, or PTSD as needed. Supporting each other through emotional recovery is crucial during these times.

Involve Children in Clean-Up Activities

Involving your children in safe storm cleanup activities can help them feel part of the recovery process and contribute to restoring normalcy at home. Ensure that the tasks are age-appropriate and that there are no safety risks involved, allowing them to make a positive impact in the aftermath of a storm.

Resources for Continued Support

Make use of national and local organizations' resources for continuous assistance. Tornado survivors can get food, housing, and emotional help from the American Red Cross. To aid in your recovery from the calamity, FEMA's Individual Assistance Program also provides services and financial support. Local community centers and religious organizations can be important sources of information and support for urgent needs. Never forget to get in touch and establish a connection with these resources as they can greatly facilitate your financial recovery and overall disaster relief.

FAQs

How Can You Ensure Your Children's Safety During a Tornado?

Find a secure space where your family and pets may take shelter in the event of a tornado so that your children are protected. This room should ideally be in a subterranean bunker or basement. If none of those are a possibility, pick a room in the middle of your house without windows. In order to make sure that everyone in your household is aware of the safe location and what to do in the event of a tornado, it's also imperative that you develop and rehearse a tornado drill on a regular basis, following essential tornado safety tips.

What's the Safest Location for Children When a Tornado Strikes?

The interior portion of a basement is the safest place for kids to be during a tornado. If it's possible, seeking cover beneath a large, heavy table or other piece of furniture can provide additional security. An interior ground floor bathroom, closet, or hallway might be a safe substitute for homes lacking storm cellars or below ground shelters.

Is It Advisable to Place a Child in a Car Seat During a Tornado?

Yes, newborns and small children can benefit greatly from utilizing a car seat during a storm. After choosing a shelter spot, set the vehicle seat in place. Put your child in the car seat and belt it up like you would if there was a tornado warning or when you were told to seek shelter. In an emergency, car seats are more effective than holding a child in your arms or using a baby carrier since they are designed to protect kids from high-speed collisions.

References

7 Things You Should Never Forget When Tornadoes Strike

Tornado Safety
Tornadoes
10 Tornado Safety Tips to Keep Kids Safe
10 Tips for Keeping Children Safe in a Tornado