Tornado Watch vs Warning - Be Prepared!

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO crews are here to help cleanup and restore your home after a storm in Ohio.

One of the scariest sounds to hear during a storm is the tornado siren. Its best to prepare now before the next severe weather to keep you and your family safe. Follow these guidelines to know what to do before, during and after a tornado comes through your neighborhood.

Before

Having an emergency plan and practicing it is critical. Make sure everyone in your household knows where to go and what to do. And do not forget about your pets! Have a crate or leash in an easily accessible place in case you need to help them move to safety.

Make an emergency supply kit with non-perishable foods, water, blankets, an emergency kit, batteries, weather radio, flashlights, and important documents.

Secure your home with storm shutters to prevent windows from breaking. Also, garage doors tend to get damaged during tornadoes, so ensure yours are sturdy and durable enough to resist violent winds.

Tornado Watch vs Warning

If there is a tornado watch, a tornado is possible, so keep a close eye on your local weather station for updates. Stay attentive to the changing of the weather. Pick up and remove any loose items and debris outside of your home.

During a tornado watch, the following could signal a possible tornado:

• Dark-greenish clouds
• Thunderstorms
• Hail
• Debris
• Consistent rotation in cloud base

A tornado warning means that a tornado is already occurring or will be soon. If you were alerted by the sound of an alarm or by a weather station, stay inside and take cover in the interior or lower part of your home. Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. A tornado can rip through your neighborhood in a matter of seconds, so do not risk your life by going out

If you have a smart phone, it is extremely easy to follow along with warnings or watches in your area. If you do not have access to a smart phone or tablet, listen to the radio or watch your local news station for updates.

During

If you are at HOME: Find the safest part of your home which is usually a storm cellar, basement, or a room on the lowest floor with no windows. If you are in a tall building and do not have time to get to the lowest floor, go to the center of a hallway. If you are in a mobile home, get out and find the nearest sturdy building.

If you are in your CAR: If a tornado hits and you are in a car, try to find the nearest building or shelter. If this is not an option, get out, find a ditch, and cover your head; or stay in the vehicle, buckle-up, put your head down and cover it.

After

After the tornado, remember to keep children and pets away from any damage or debris outside of your home. If you see any downed power lines, stay away from them, and report them to your utility company. If you experienced any damage to your home, call your insurance company to file a claim and then your local SERVPRO.

If you experience water or storm damage and need help with clean up and restoration, call us SERVPRO of West Akron your local franchise company. Our team has the expertise and fully IICRC trained in water cleanup and restoration. We are available 24 hours a day at 330-867-5723.