Last year a town close by me,
Joplin, MO, was devastated by an F5 tornado. Just this Monday, another horrific tornado took down Moore, OK. Tornadoes come with the territory of living in the Midwest. But that doesn't mean you have to be a victim. Like my Eagle Scout husband always says:
Be Prepared. Or Scar from the Lion King says that...Well, whatever.
Do it.
1. A Clean, Safe Room
This is the lowest point in your home. Preferably a basement, bathroom or closet. Our safe zone is under the stairs in the basement. It's away from electrical wires and plumbing. Spaces like closets can get cluttered over time. Make your safe area a top room to clean during Spring Cleaning. There should be a clear walkway.
2. Bug Out Bags
Each person should have their own bag. Hang this bag on the wall for easy grabbing. We used dry wall screws for security. You can use old purses, backpacks or even canvas grocery bags. Keep everything in this bag in Ziploc freezer bags. Push all the air out to save room in your bag. Tornadoes often come with hail and rain; you want your supplies to stay dry. Here's what we keep in ours:
Set of Clothes
Pants - Socks - Shirt - Bra - Underwear
First Aid Kit
Collect clearance band-aids and medical supplies throughout the year
Band Aids
Gauze
Medical Tape
Antibiotic Packets
*Keep a little of everything in each bag
Rope
Knife
Extra Medicine
For me it's an inhaler and allergy pills
Fire Starters
A few small heartfelt items
I always think if I lost everything how devastating it would be.
So I packed away 3-4 family photos (a lot of people lose all their pictures), my mother's rosary and locket, and the promise ring my husband gave me. I wrapped this up in a head scarf and secured with a hair tie.
3. Pet Supplies
Hanging along side our bug out bags is a leash for all 3 of our dogs. We bought $1 leashes at Dollar Tree. Included in our bug out bags is some dog kibble, too. It's the cheap kind from the Dollar Tree, but if we lose everything at least we can still feed them. IMPORTANT: If you know a storm is coming, make sure your pets all have their collars on and that each collar has an identity tag. If they do get separated from you, they'll have a better chance of making it back home to you.
4. Storm Radio Flash Light
This is very important. You can purchase one
here. This hand-crank system does not require batteries. It
includes an AM/FM radio with a headphone jack, a powerful
120 decibel siren and 4 bright to light your way. Just 1 minute of winding provides 10 minutes of light. Plus it's small enough to keep in your bag.
5. Shoes
One of the biggest hardships tornadoes victims faced was getting out of the rubble. Most people ran for shelter barefoot. And when trying to free themselves they were often times stepping on exposed electrical wiring, cracked wood and bent metal. Keep a pair of old boots for everyone under the stairs. Or even old tennis shoes. If you have room these can go in your bags. We bought old steel toed boots at Goodwill.
6. Gun + Bullets
Ok, I am the most non-violent person you'll ever meet. Unfortunately, others aren't. During tornado tragedies looters come out to play. A lot of valuables are strewn across yards that people want to steal. These items are good to have for protection, especially before the National Guard comes.
7. Important Things Box
I never know what to call that thing anyway. Keep a box of all important documents: house title, car titles, social security information, birth certificates. You can also keep these items in a safety deposit box at your local bank.
8. Water
The easiest thing to do is keep a package of bottled water in your safe zone. If you wish to re-use old plastic containers that's fine too. Just note that water does "go bad" and you'll either have to sanitize or replace your containers frequently.
9. Blanket
Ideally, a mattress would be best. Something to cover your bodies. There's a chance debris will fall and the cushioning will further protect you. Keep a blanket on a shelf close by, or a toddler's mattress leaned up against a wall.
10. A Plan
You can have all the notice in the world that a tornado is coming, but if you don't have a plan, you're screwed. Make sure you at least have 1-5 in your safe zone. Discuss the procedure with your family. Watch the weather forecast during tornado season. And do a yearly practice run with your household.
Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance
(Or Puh-puh-puh-puh-puh for short)
I wish all my readers nothing but safety.
And I hope with my whole heart that they never have to experience such a disaster.
My love goes out to every one affected.
