Tornado Preparedness

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

Tornadoes are no surprise here in the Texas Panhandle! Although we have seen tornadic conditions many times in our area of rural America, it is always important to refresh ourselves on what to do in the situation of having dangerous weather. SERVPRO of West Amarillo stands with you on being weather-ready by following the recommended tornado preparation tips:

• Know your area’s tornado risk.
• Know the signs of a tornado and high-risk weather.
• Create and practice a tornado evacuation plan with your family that includes your pets.
• Keep up with your local weather and know when to expect possible high-risk weather.
• Create and store an emergency kit. This could contain flashlights, a battery powered radio, extra batteries, bottled water, snacks, whatever special foods and items you may need for infants, senior citizens, or other specialized individuals, masking or duct tape, personal identification, a spare set of keys, credit cards or cash, important documents, a whistle in case you may need emergency retrieval, a phone and charger, a first aid kit, candles, a lighter and matches, and blankets.
• Safely get to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar if possible. Do not wait until last minute to take shelter—this increases risk of injury or the inability to take proper shelter!
• If you don’t have access to underground shelter, go into a small interior room on the lowest level, such as a bathroom or closet.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• DO NOT seek shelter under a bridge or overpass! A safer location would be a low, flat area.

In the case of tornadic conditions, always remain calm and wait for the storm to pass. The biggest priority is keeping yourself and others safe. We at SERVPRO of West Amarillo know all too well that things can either be restored or replaced, but your loved ones, friends, and pets cannot.