You can count on Texas to deliver severe weather regardless of the season. We can have tornados year round but especially spring and summer.
Last year, the it was reported that Texas had 159 tornadoes, 5 which was right here in North Texas.
We hope you never have to call on us for any type of storm damage. We also want to make sure you are educated and ready when unpredictable weather comes.
Here are a few suggestions to help you prepare for Texas twisters.
1.Build out an emergency first aid kit
Decide what you need for a basic kit. first aid kit, Store it in a grab bag with flashlights and a battery-powered radio. Keep back-up batteries in the same location. Also include a utility knife, whistle and a couple of bottles of water. As you head to your safety room, grab your bag along with your wallets, driver’s license and bank/credit cards.
2. Plan with your family
Develop a plan with the family so that everyone knows how to react and where to go when a tornado strikes. Just like family fire drills, this kind of advanced preparation can save lives. Walk your younger children through it to help minimize fear.
3. Designate the safe room
If you don’t have a basement, choose an interior room on the lowest floor that puts as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Closets often make excellent safe rooms. If you know active weather is approaching, go a head and place blankets and pillows in your safe room so you are not scrabbling last minute.
4. Protect your pets
Most pets ride out storms best in their crates. If you don’t use a crate, be sure to leash your pets during a severe weather event so that you can keep them under control. Remember our pets feed off of our energy. Try to remain calm and use a calm voice.
5. Pack the pantry
It’s never a bad idea to keep plenty of canned goods and packaged food on hand in case you lose power during any significant weather event. Cold soup might not seem like much of a meal, but it becomes more appetizing when you can’t cook for several days. You can also invest in dehydrated emergency meals to store and have on hand.
6. Protect your identity
Use a safe box to preserve important papers like insurance documents, social security cards, birth certificates etc. The box is a smart place to keep information for emergency contacts and restoration services too.
7. Consider Buckling Up
If its predicted that a tornado is headed towards your house, snap on a bicycle helmet to help protect your head from debris.
8. Secure outside projectiles
The high winds from a tornado can turn trash cans, lawn furniture and even the kids’ toys into into deadly projectiles. Heed storm warnings, and secure things outside before bad weather blows in.
9. Know your skies
If you’re outside or on the road, your first storm warning often comes from overhead. Learn to identify the different cloud types that indicate oncoming severe weather.
10. Abandon the vehicle
If you’re driving and encounter a tornado, DO NOT try to take shelter under an overpass. The overpass can create a suction and it is not a safe place to stay. Instead, leave your car, lie down in a low area, and cover your head and neck with your arms.
And lastly don’t forget we listen for WATCHES, and react to WARNINGS. A tornado watch means we have all the ingredients lined up. A tornado warning means its cooking and dinner is about to be served.
We are here to help you weather Texas storms If you’re ever affected by the destruction of a tornado or any severe weather we are here for you. Give us a call and we will help you with the rebuilding or repair process.
