5 Tips to Stay Safe During Tornado Outbreaks

As the calendar flipped to March, the latest forecasts said severe weather risks are forecast in the US, including isolated tornadoes in Southern US.

The American Red Cross explained that preparing a disaster plan for tornado outbreaks is essential to save from injuries and casualties.

In the latest severe weather forecasts, the weather reports showed the following:

Associated Press (AP) reported that tornadoes hit parts of Texas and Louisiana. Based on the poweroutage.us, there were about 300,000 who had no power in Texas.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that a tornado watch was present in Dallas Metro Area, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Fort Worth.
The NWS Easter Region added that severe weather could spread this week in Tennessee Valleys and Ohio.

Besides tornadoes, the National Weather Prediction Center reported that winter storms are forecast in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, causing multiple hazards and heavy snow.

Staying safe is crucial, as tornadoes could unleash widespread damage, especially this week with possible tornado outbreaks. Here are safety reminders.

Understand the weather conditions

Homeowners and motorists should understand the current weather conditions to help them prepare for possible severe impacts.

The NWS Memphis advisory noted to stay updated for tornado warnings via local radio, weather apps, sirens and confirmed weather social media pages.

Also Read: Winter Storm to Hit in Midwest, Northeast in March's First Week; Heavy Snow Possible

In addition, keeping a battery-powered radio would be helpful. Power outages are common during winter storms, thunderstorms and tornado outbreaks.

Stay aware of a tornado watch and a warning

(Photo : by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
March 24, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The latest weather forecasts said a tornado watch was present in the southern US. Staying safe is essential during violent tornadoes

On the other hand, the NOAA WRN Ambassadors said that homeowners and motorists should understand the weather alerts: a tornado watch and a warning.

A tornado watch means that there could be tornadoes could likely form. It alerts people to stay updated and prepared for a possible tornado.
A tornado warning happens when there is a detected tornado that could impact. Homeowners and motorists should look for a secure shelter.

Look for a safe place

The reports said that mobile homes are not safe places during tornado outbreaks. It is best that they could look for a safe shelter.

Meanwhile, homeowners should teach their family members to evacuate to a safe place at home or basement during tornado events.

Keep away from cabinets, windows, doors and fragile materials.

Keep an emergency kit

The impact of tornadoes could be life-threatening and devastating. Roads can become inaccessible.

As a result, keeping an emergency kit at home would be helpful, especially during prolonged power outages.

The emergency kit should include the following:

Medicine kits
Non-perishable goods
Bottled water
Blankets
Battery-operated radio with extra batteries
Battery-operated flashlight with extra batteries
Extra cash and primary documents
Power bank and fully-charged mobile phones

After the tornado outbreaks

The aftermath of tornadoes can be significant to devastating. Toxic materials could leak after it destroys homes and infrastructure.

Homeowners should be careful with falling debris after tornadoes.

In addition, it is best to check your home for immediate repairs and possible damages. There is a possibility that electrical lines and pipe systems could be damaged.