Tornados are a way of life for families living in “tornado alley” and though they are more common in the central US states, a tornado can occur almost anywhere, including large cities. To protect your home and family from tornados you’ll need to be educated on the warning signs and when to take cover.
Learn the Warning Signs
Tornados strike with very little warning. Over the years, with more advanced science and technology, meteorologists are better able to predict signs that a twister is on its way. Even having just a few minutes warning can provide an opportunity to seek shelter if you’re in harm’s way. If you live in an area with a history of tornadic activity, there may be warning sirens or a digital messaging system in your community to alert residents to find proper shelter immediately.
April 2009 Murfreesboro Tornado
Other signs of tornadoes are:
- Dark greenish skies
- Dark, rotating, low-altitude cloud
- Loud roar, like a train
- Large Hail or heavy rain followed by dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift.
- Large clouds rushing by quickly overhead or rushing together to form funnel
Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning
When the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch it means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. When under a watch, be alert to changes in the weather, check to be sure all family nearby is safe, and keep the TV and Radio on so you’re able to listen to reports and stay on top of changing storm information.
A tornado watch can give you valuable time to prep your home and surrounding property for a disaster. Take this time to move cars into the garage if possible; you’ll also need to keep car and house keys with you at all times. You could also move lawn furniture and equipment into a garage or shed to minimize flying debris. If you’re not able to utilize a shed or garage you could temporarily move items into the larger rooms of your home. If a tornado siren sounds, stay inside your home and take cover in an interior room away from windows. If you have a storm shelter, move your family into the storm shelter when sirens sound.
A tornado warning means a tornado has already been spotted in your area. This means danger could be imminent and you may only have seconds to take cover. Immediately move to an interior room or storm shelter with your radio. Do not leave the space you’ve taken cover in until an all clear has been issued.
Will you be able to remember all of the items in your home following a disaster?
Personal Property Inventory Software
You can always simply make a list in a notebook and save receipts and photos in a file. Or, you can use Know Your Stuff® - Home Inventory, the Insurance Information Institute's free online home inventory software to create an electronic record of your possessions. With the click of your mouse you can update this list as you buy or eliminate personal possessions.
Secure, easy home inventory
Know Your Stuff® - Home Inventory makes creating and updating your home inventory easy and efficient. And with our free, secure online storage you will have access to your inventory anywhere, any time.
 Chase Hendersonchenderson@reducemyinsurance.netwww.ReduceMyInsurance.net 640 Broadmor Blvd., Suite 100 Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-900-0288 p | 615-823-2858 f  |
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