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Red Cross Releases Tornado Preparedness Tips

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(The Red Cross) The National Weather Service confirmed three tornadoes hit the North Texas area Friday. The Red Cross released procedures to prepare residents for the next severe weather situation involving tornadoes.

"When the sky is green and rotating, it's too late to make a plan," said Jason Smith, chief executive officer, American Red Cross Chisholm Trail Chapter, Fort Worth, TX. "We urge every family to take severe weather seriously and to make and practice your plan today."

• Pick a safe place in your home where family members could gather during a tornado.

The safest place to be is underground, or as low to the ground as possible, and away from all windows. Unfortunately, many residents in the Metroplex do not have basements, therefore an interior hallway or room on the lowest floor is the best choice. Putting as many walls as you can between you and the outside will provide additional protection. Also make sure there are no windows or glass doors in your safe place and keep this place uncluttered.


• If you live in a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building.

Mobile homes are much more vulnerable to strong winds than site-built structures. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your family's safe place.


• If you are in a vehicle, get out immediately.

Find a sturdy nearby structure and take shelter. If there is no building nearby, go to a low-lying area until the storm passes. Taking cover under bridges is not recommended.


• If you are in a high-rise building, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Center hallways are often structurally the most reinforced part of a building.


• Check with your work and your children's schools and day care centers to learn tornado emergency plans.

Every building has different safe places. It is important to know where they are and how to get there in an emergency.


• Conduct periodic tornado drills so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching.

Practice having everyone in the family report to your designated area in response to a tornado threat. Practicing your plan makes the appropriate response more of a reaction, requiring less thinking time during an actual emergency situation.


• Discuss tornadoes with your family.

Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing disaster ahead of time helps reduce fear and lets everyone know how to respond during a tornado.


• Create an emergency communication plan.

Select an out-of-state friend or relative to serve as your point of contact in the event that you and your family are separated.

(The Red Cross)