With the recent onslaught of tornadoes in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, it is important to revisit your preparedness plan. You should not wait for severe weather to hit your area before you start prepping your family’s safety.

Since tornadoes can destroy buildings and infrastructure, lift heavy objects from the ground, and happen anytime, it is vital to stay ahead of the game. This way, when a tornado touches the ground, you know what to do.

Here are nine steps to take to protect your home and family from the effects of a tornado:

• Always be alert of weather announcements as well as the changing weather conditions in your area.
• Make sure that your kids know what a tornado is and that they understand how the tornado warning system works.
• Create a tornado emergency plan. It should contain information and instructions as to where you and your family will go in the event of a tornado, and who will take care of what responsibilities. It should cover all possible scenarios, such as being caught at home, at work, at a relative’s/ friend’s place, or outdoors.
• Identify the safest place in the house where your family and pets may gather during a tornado. It should be on the lowest floor farthest away from any windows. If you don’t have a basement, interior rooms on the ground floor are the safest bet.
• Stock up on supplies (food, water, batteries, medicine, and clothing) and medical provisions. Ensure that your first aid kit is adequately stocked. If you have time, create copies of important documents and store them in water and fireproof containers (together with your provisions) in a durable bag.
• Make sure that everyone knows where your first aid kit and fire extinguishers are located. If you can, do a simple demo on how to use them. Apart from ensuring everyone knows how to administer basic first aid, it is also recommended to make sure everyone can turn off the electricity, water, and gas in your home.
• Secure furniture that could topple over (cabinets, bookcases, and dressers) to the wall. Move them away from doors and windows.
• Coordinate with your child’s day care center or school regarding their tornado emergency plans. Buildings have different safe places, so it’s best to know where they are and how you can access them after a tornado.
• When the storm arrives, stay away from windows and doors.

As basic as it seems, these tips are often forgotten when panic and confusion strike. Don’t forgo the safety of your family and enact these tornado preparation tips immediately.

Got tips of your own? Share them in the comment section below!