Does your loved one live alone? Do they live in an area that tornadoes commonly pass through each year? If so, then tornado safety for seniors is something you\u2019ve likely considered.<\/p>\n
On average, about 1,200 tornadoes are reported<\/a> each year in the United States. In 2021, 1,376<\/a> touched down in the US, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).<\/p>\n While many aren\u2019t deadly, 2021\u2019s twisters claimed about 100 lives<\/a>. Which means It\u2019s a good idea to talk with your loved one about how they can best prepare in the event of a tornado in their area.<\/p>\n In this article, you\u2019ll learn how to help your loved one know what to look for, how to best prepare their home, and what to do if a tornado actually touches down in their area.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n If your loved one lives in an area affected by tornadoes, make a plan ahead of time with them for what to do if there is a tornado alert. Here are some tips to consider.<\/p>\n While tornadoes can happen any time of year, here are the times they\u2019re most likely for different areas of the US. For the southern Plains, peak tornado season is May through early June. On the Gulf, it\u2019s early in the spring. For the northern Plains and upper Midwest, tornadoes are most likely in June or July.<\/p>\n A tornado watch means there is a good chance one will touch down nearby, and usually includes many counties and lasts for several hours.<\/p>\n A tornado warning, on the other hand, means severe weather is already present. If a tornado watch is issued for their area, it\u2019s time to immediately seek shelter and put your tornado response plan into action.<\/p>\n Help your loved one understand tornado conditions: dark, greenish skies, large hail, dark and rotating low-hanging cloud formations, and a loud, train-like roar.<\/p>\n The Wireless Emergency Alert system<\/a> allows authorized national, state, or local governments to send public alerts \u2014 including tornado alerts \u2014 to participating wireless carriers. Most smart phones are set up to automatically receive WEA alerts, but not all providers necessarily opt in to using this voluntary government service, so we recommend checking with your carrier.<\/p>\n Make sure your loved one knows where a tornado watch or warning could come in. Besides WEA, severe weather warnings are issued through outdoor warning sirens, local and cable television, local radio stations, smartphone apps, and NOAA weather radio.<\/p>\n While you can\u2019t know how any home will fare during a tornado, here is how to keep your loved one as safe as possible if a twister does touch down in their area.<\/p>\n Identify a place for household members and pets to gather during a tornado: according to the Red Cross, good choices include<\/a> a basement or small room on ground level like a bathroom or closet with no windows<\/p>\n In a high-rise, find a hallway in the center of the building, in case there isn\u2019t time to get to the lowest floor. Mobile homes are unsafe for tornadoes, so designate a nearby building<\/a> instead.<\/p>\n What if your loved one must evacuate their home? The Red Cross offers a free shelter program<\/a>, with an interactive map so you can help find them a nearby safe place.<\/p>\n Include food, water, a first aid kit, a flashlight (with extra batteries), matches and candles, cash and credit cards, and instructions on how to turn off the home\u2019s utilities.<\/p>\n These systems can contact emergency services if a disaster happens, to get your loved one help when it\u2019s needed.<\/p>\nTornado Safety for Seniors: Know What to Look For<\/h2>\n
When is the tornado season for different areas of the United States?<\/h3>\n
Know the difference: tornado watch versus tornado warning<\/h3>\n
Know what tornado conditions look like<\/h3>\n
Make sure your loved one\u2019s smartphone receives Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)<\/h3>\n
Understand tornado warning signals for their area<\/h3>\n
What to prepare in case of a tornado<\/h2>\n
Designate a go-to safe area at home, or nearby<\/h3>\n
Locate a local emergency shelter<\/h3>\n
Put together a tornado safety kit<\/h3>\n
Consider a medical alert device for seniors<\/h3>\n
Help your loved one know what to do during a tornado<\/h2>\n