How to Stay Safe & Prepared During a Tornado!
It’s late-February in South Florida and you are excited about making it through hurricane season and the brief (yet chilly) mild winter. But this month has been extremely peculiar as far as bad weather goes. That’s because there are tornadoes running rampant all over the tri-county area. So in addition to the precautions you take during hurricanes, here are some helpful hints and tips for tornado safety because unfortunately…this is a thing now. Tornadoes may be unpredictable, but there are ways to prepare.
Get Prepared Now:
– Designate a safe room in your home that can be reached in a matter of seconds. Choose an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor with no windows.
– Make sure your emergency kit is fully stocked.
– Clear the areas surrounding your home of trees, trash cans, yard debris, grills, outdoor furniture, and other materials that can be moved by wind.
Before a Tornado:
– Listen to local news or NOAA weather radio for the latest information and weather alerts. Always follow instructions given by local emergency management officials, and know what the different alerts mean.
Tornado Warning Signs:
– Dark sky, often with a greenish tint
– Hail
– Low-lying clouds
– Roaring noise, like a freight train
During a Tornado:
Inside:
– Head to the lowest level. If a basement isn’t available, take shelter in a bathroom or closet nearest to the center of the building or house.
– Cover yourself with blankets or a mattress and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
– Stay clear of windows, skylights, and glass doors.
Outdoors:
– Take shelter in a building if one is nearby.
– If there are not any buildings in your proximity, get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt, and attempt to drive to the nearest permanent structure.
– If you are driving your vehicle and you are hit by flying debris, pull over and put your car in park. Stay in the car with your seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows and cover yourself with a coat or blanket if possible.
– If you notice an area that is lower than your car, such as a ditch, leave your car and lie down there, covering your head and neck with your arms.
BB Insurance Marketing is a full-service insurance agency located in South Florida that specializes in business, personal and benefits insurance. Childcare, gas stations, pest control and restaurants are just a few of the niche markets we work in. BBIMI’s insurance expertise extends all across the state, so we’ve got you covered with a quality policy you can depend on!