As you well know, the tornado season has begun, leaving behind deaths, wounded and scattered buildings. The F3, F4 and F5 tornadoes are more prevalent in the eastern half of the United States, but milder twisters can also form alongside the western part of the US.

Although highly dangerous forces of nature, the tornadoes can be averted. You already know this: prepping is the key to staying alive. Let’s see exactly how you can protect your family and yourself.

First, there are signs that can you tip you off, such as:

• You hear roaring sounds, similar to the ones of a freight train;
• The sky turns dark or displays shades of green;
• The clouds form a funnel shape (this is the most important sign of them all, and you should not hesitate in taking cover right away);
• The wind suddenly stops blowing. 

Seek shelter

The first step entails seeking shelter. Moreover, do not stay inside a mobile home, even if you believe it to be safe due to its tie-down system and do not remain out in the open for the thrill of filming a tornado, but hide in the basement, if you can. The tornadoes can lift off for up to 70 tons (according to the US National Weather Service) or even more, therefore, think about how light weighted you are in comparison with an 80 ton truck. You will be carried away like a feather, if you stay in close proximity of a tornado.

If, however, you are out in the open, avoid the areas with tress and by all means cover your head with whatever you can find, even your hands, as debris might be floating around and then hit you in the head when you least expect it. In addition, lie flat on the ground or hide yourself in a ditch or a cave, if you can find one.

In case you are inside your home when tornadoes strike, it is advised to remain in the hallway or in the bathroom, provided it does not have any windows. What you need to understand is that the more walls there are between you and the outside, the more chances of survival you have.

If you find yourself in tall buildings, avoid using the elevators (power will come off at some point) and stay as far as you can from the window area.

Store medical supplies, water and food

Most tornadoes last for up to 10 minutes, but you never know if there will be just one or a series of damaging tornadoes. Even if there is just one tornado turning everything to dust, you do not know when help will arrive. In addition, stores, supermarkets and drugstores may be destroyed and then what? Relying on yourself is the best decision you can make. Therefore, store at least 10 bottles of water per person and plenty of food that does not require cooking and refrigeration:

• canned soup, meat and fruits (make sure you also have a tin opener nearby),
• biscuits and other snacks,
• nuts, etc.

You can also be one step ahead of the tornadoes, by downloading specials apps on your phone (such as The Red Cross Tornado App), which will give you info on the type of tornado and when it is expected to strike the area you live in.

Tornadoes can also interrupt the power, by interfering with the electric transmission lines. Thus, relying on your phone 100% is not a smart move, especially if you run out of battery. Therefore, having a radio on you will help you stay up to date with the latest news in your area and get advised on whether or not you should remain indoors. Authorities will communicate among themselves using different radio frequencies and will issue warning signals in case of danger. Other things you should consider including in your survival bag are: a flashlight, extra batteries for your flashlight and radio and a few blankets to keep you warm and also use as a protective shield.

Do you have any experience with tornado situations? Share it in the comments section below.