How To Help Protect Your Home and Family From a Tornado

First, understand how to identify a tornado and when they’re like to happen. Tornadoes:

• Can happen any time of year
• Can appear transparent until they pick up dust and debris
• Usually have the following warning signs:
  • Dark, often greenish, sky
  • Large hail
  • A large, dark, low-lying cloud
  • A loud roar, similar to a freight train

No house can withstand a direct hit from a severe tornado, but hardening the target can help it survive if it's on the fringe of the tornado's path. Just as important is preparing your family with rock-solid information about what to do before during and after a tornado.

Consider the following:

• Make sure family members know what to do in case of a tornado – like designating an emergency meeting spot and deciding who takes charge of the dog or cat.
• Show adult and teen family members where electrical, gas and water shut-offs are located and how to turn them off. Make sure the proper tools are nearby.
• Have a well-stocked first aid kit, flashlights and plenty of batteries.
• Install impact-resistant windows.
• Make certain your doors have at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock with a bolt at least 1 inch long.
• Install permanent wood or metal stiffeners on your garage door. Or contact the door manufacturer about temporary supports you can easily attach and remove.
• Make sure your roof covering and sheathing beneath it can resist high winds.
• Consider replacing gravel and rock landscaping with mulch or shredded bark, which can be less deadly in high winds.
• Trim trees and shrubbery. Pay particular attention to weak or dead branches that could fall on your home or your neighbor's home.
• Review Nationwide's Tornado Safety Tips infographic for more info about severe weather awareness.

If conditions are right for a tornado in your area:

• Monitor local radio and television broadcasts for a tornado announcement and instructions.
• Turn off all utilities.
• If it’s safe, move outdoor furniture and grills inside. They can be deadly flying debris.
• If emergency officials haven’t directed you to a public shelter, get your family to the basement, a closet, a small room or a hallway away from windows. The more walls between you and the outside, the better.
• Lean a mattress against the wall of the room you're in.
• Don't open your windows. Keep the wind and rain outside.
• Hand out flashlights. The tornado probably will have disrupted electrical service.
• Continue to monitor radio broadcasts. A portable battery-operated or hand-crank radio is a good investment.
• If you’re in a mobile home, find shelter elsewhere.
• If you’re in your vehicle, get out and head for a sturdy building. If one is not near, a ditch can provide shelter.
• Don't take shelter under a bridge or overpass because these structures could be destroyed.

If you and your family were forced to leave your home – or if it has been severely damaged from the tornado – wait for authorities to give the all-clear to re-enter. Then:

• Check for structural damage before going inside.
• If dark, use a flashlight – not matches, a candle or a lighter. An open flame can ignite leaking gas.
• Listen for reports to see when drinking water is safe.
• Don’t turn your power on until an electrician has inspected your system.
• Begin documenting your damage claim by taking an inventory of your damaged or destroyed belongings and gathering your insurance policy documents.
• Use a digital camera or the camera on your cell phone to photograph any damage
• Once you’ve gathered necessary documents and evidence of your claim, contact your insurance company or agent.