Over the weekend several deadly tornadoes blew through Kentucky, devastating lives and causing hundreds of thousands of dollars of damages to private and public property. Our hearts go out to the affected families, and we wish them a speedy recovery and return to the norm during this holiday season. These tornadoes, coupled with the many storms, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, have prompted us to inform our readers about proper storm readiness techniques. We’ll be covering what to do before a storm, during the storm, and various supplies to prepare for the troubling times ahead.
Before the Storm
When a storm is on its way, you can have anywhere from a few days to a few hours to prepare. Before that time comes, it’s best to prepare for the worst scenario.
Have an Evacuation Plan — First and foremost, you should have an evacuation plan ready. Every room should have at least 2 possible exits, especially bedrooms and other common areas. Anything can happen in a disaster, and it’s better to be prepared.
Close All Windows — Once evacuation routes have been planned, the next step is to close all windows. Whether it’s a hurricane or a tornado, open windows only invite trouble. Flying debris can come into the home, or high winds can take items or even people out of the room. Close all windows and lock them closed.
Secure All Valuables — Next, all valuables should be secured. It should go without saying that anything outside should be brought inside, if possible. Otherwise, it should be secured to the ground. On the inside, anything fragile or liable to break should be secured elsewhere. This is especially important for emergency supplies, such as go-bags or disaster kits.
Stock Up on Perscription Medicine — Speaking of— you should have a stockpile of any important medication you or a family member require, up to 2 weeks’ worth. With these tips, you will hopefully be prepared for disaster.
During the Storm
It can be easy to be lost in panic or disoriented when a storm does arrive. As such, there’s a simple motto that should be adhered to: Get In, Get Down, and Cover Up.
Get In — You do not want to be outside when a storm is blowing through. You should put as many walls between you and the storm as possible. That may be hiding in a closet, or a bathroom, or under the stairs. So long as there are walls between you (ideally with no windows) you’ve successfully completed this step.
Get Down — Intense storms can wreak havoc on the surrounding area, though this is considerably more notable the higher up you are. Ideally, you should evacuate to a basement or underground shelter. If neither is available, then the ground floor of a home will do. This especially applies to apartments. Once you’re as far down as you can go, find somewhere safe, as advised in the first step.
Cover Up — Finally, protect yourself. Find something to cover your head and body. Pillows, blankets, helmets, clothes, any impromptu shields will do. Flying debris and falling objects are the #1 killer during storms, so be sure to cover up. By following the Get In, Get Down, and Cover Up motto, you can significantly increase the likelihood of your survival.
Prepare for the Storm
The previous two segments largely went into what can be done the time before a storm and during the storm. However, it’s always better to be proactive than reactive. As such, here are a few things you can buy in advance to best weather the storms ahead.
Emergency Home Kits — Every family, no matter how big or small needs an emergency Home Kit.
This should include but is not limited to: water, food, a radio, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a whistle, masks, sheets, maps, chargers, tools, and duct tape. In addition, the CDC recommends the following: Pet food, cash or checks, a fire extinguisher, matches, a mess kit, and climate-appropriate clothing.
Suffice to say, this is a rather extensive list of items! Though you’ll be glad you packed all this well in advance. If you’re looking for a kit you can purchase, CPR Savers 72-Hour Survival Kit, which comes with enough supplies for 1 person for up to 3 days.Go-Kits — Your next priority should be go-bags or lightweight kits that should have enough supplies for an individual for up to 72 hours. The requirements are like the kit above, however, these ones prioritize being light and being able to be carried by each family member. Ideally, one family member has the 72-hour emergency home kit and every other family member has an emergency go-kit. We recommend the Emergency Go Kit from CPR Savers for your 72-hour survival needs.
Water, and Lots of It — Finally, you need to stock water. Water is necessary not just for drinking, but also for cleaning wounds and cuts. Everyone in your family, including your animals, needs water, so you should prioritize storing clean water somewhere dry and somewhere that’s unlikely to be damaged in a storm. All CPR Savers kits include multiple packs of emergency drinking water.
Hopefully, this guide has helped anyone interested in learning how to best prepare for these natural disasters. Buy emergency supplies, know where to go, and remember to Get In, Get Down, and Cover Up! We wish everyone happy holidays and an exciting new year.
Sources:
Westchester Department of HealthNational Weather Service
Coastal Electric Cooperative
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