Tornado Survival Safety Tips

It's a common misconception that Indiana and Ohio aren't vulnerable to tornadoes.  However, Central Indiana and Southwestern Ohio are particularly vulnerable to tornadoes, including stronger EF3, EF4, and EF5 (See map below).  While they generally occur during spring and summer, they can happen anytime during the year. With winds swirling at 200 miles an hour or more, a tornado can destroy just about anything in its path. Generally, there are weather signs and warnings that will alert you to take precautions. Be prepared by having various family members do each of the items on the checklist below.  With our experience working with Ohio insurance and Indiana insurance, we hope to help protect all of our clients with these safety guidelines.

1. Buy a survival kit and store along with:

• Any essential medications, bandages, or anything else for first aid.
• Also include in the kit written instructions on how to turn off your home's utilities.
• Collect flashlights, water, and snacks.
• Have a radio available to listen to weather updates.

2. Stay tuned for storm warnings:

• Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
• A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area.
• A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area, go to safety immediately.
• Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by the county or parish.
• When a tornado WATCH is issued listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.

3. Be alert to changing weather conditions:

• Pay attention to approaching dark clouds.
• Often there will be a calm followed by strong winds.
• Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you, many people say it sounds like a freight train.

4. When a tornado WARNING is issued:

• The tornado may be approaching your area.
• If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects.
• If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
• If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).

5. After the tornado passes:

• Watch out for fallen power lines and do not venture into the damaged area.
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
• Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage (avoid using candles or matches)