[EdV]

As we approach the spring tornado season, AccuWeather is predicting higher than normal tornado activity this year.

Have you selected a safe room in your house yet. This would be one you can get to very quickly (15 seconds or less sometimes) and that is shielded from glass and debris hurled through windows and sliders. If it’s a closet, it is best if it doesn’t have an access panel to the attic.

If you have it, keep an old cell phone there on a charger because it can be used to dial 911. Ear plugs and a small marine air horn if you’re trapped inside. A simple weather radio and some water and energy bars, etc. Spare shoes because you may need to walk across lots of shard glass

Since Florida usually ranks near the top of most tornado risk lists, it pays to be prepared.

[justanormalgirl]

Here in the Midwest we get a lot of tornadoes in the spring. I keep an eye on the weather and prepare myself way ahead of time....I'm just paranoid enough to keep myself out of trouble!

I get water, a pillow and blanket for protection, I put secure shoes with a good sole on my feet, jacket, cell phone, water, purse with important papers and jewelry, flashlight, some kind of snack and a small first aide kit.

For my dogs I get some of their food or snacks, water, vet papers, leash and harness and they go into their kennels with a thin blanket to cover them.

Here we have a basement or crawl space to get into so I have the door open and everything right there just in case.

When the threat is over I put everything back in place except for some things I will need the next time but won't use for anything other than that......like the first aide kit, water and dry snacks......I keep them in a 'grab-n-go' bag by the safe area.

We have most of our bad storms in the spring here so it's about time to pack that bag...again...

[Happinow]

Thanks for the reminder. Nobody likes to think about the unthinkable!

[tainsley]

Originally Posted by EdVinMass

As we approach the spring tornado season, AccuWeather is predicting higher than normal tornado activity this year.

Have you selected a safe room in your house yet. This would be one you can get to very quickly (15 seconds or less sometimes) and that is shielded from glass and debris hurled through windows and sliders. If it’s a closet, it is best if it doesn’t have an access panel to the attic.

If you have it, keep an old cell phone there on a charger because it can be used to dial 911. Ear plugs and a small marine air horn if you’re trapped inside. A simple weather radio and some water and energy bars, etc. Spare shoes because you may need to walk across lots of shard glass

Since Florida usually ranks near the top of most tornado risk lists, it pays to be prepared.

Thanks!

[Figmo Bohica]

A couple things to add to the list. Keep a shovel and a crowbar in your safe room. If your house should be damaged, with these two tools you can dig your way out. One other thing to consider, if you live in a villa with lots of year around folks, start a notification list. Then if your villa is damaged, neighbors can check on neighbors and if someone does not check in, at least you have a starting point to start looking for them. If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, let a couple friends know.

[buggyone]

I was driving through Crystal River a short time ago. They had tornado shelters you could put in your garage. Basically, it is a septic tank with doors on it. Very sturdy but I would not want to be trapped in it if the garage fell in on the tank.

[natickdan]

Originally Posted by EdVinMass

As we approach the spring tornado season, AccuWeather is predicting higher than normal tornado activity this year.

Have you selected a safe room in your house yet. This would be one you can get to very quickly (15 seconds or less sometimes) and that is shielded from glass and debris hurled through windows and sliders. If it’s a closet, it is best if it doesn’t have an access panel to the attic.

If you have it, keep an old cell phone there on a charger because it can be used to dial 911. Ear plugs and a small marine air horn if you’re trapped inside. A simple weather radio and some water and energy bars, etc. Spare shoes because you may need to walk across lots of shard glass

Since Florida usually ranks near the top of most tornado risk lists, it pays to be prepared.

An excellent reminder on the importance of being prepared....Thanks!

[NotGolfer]

So, there are many cottage style homes here in T.V. They're split with the master on one side of the great-room and 2 bedrroms and bath on the other side. In the master are walk-in closets but there's an access to the attic there. One "could" go in the laundryroom BUT that's where the HVAC is. The guest-bath is on an outside wall...the hall has another attic-access. NO safe rooms according to your post so what to do? What to do??

[islandgal]

Tornado Safety Information - Emergency Management

[EdV]

Originally Posted by NotGolfer

.....NO safe rooms according to your post so what to do? What to do??

Simple. Hire a handyman to come in and replace the thin plywood access panel in the master closet with a heavy duty one with hinges and a bolt lock.

[fgrider]

Good advice. I know most of the things that should be done but never thought of an air horn.