Catastrophic Tornadoes

Tornado season has started off with deadly impact this week.  A bunch of tornadoes broke out in Alabama and Georgia yesterday and now more than 20 people are dead.  It's hard to imagine the devastation unless you have actually seen the aftermath of a tornado and living through a tornado is quite the terrifying experience.  Here are things to know about tornado preparedness:

• Find out where tornadoes are most likely to happen.
• Buy a NOAA weather radio (more info here).
• Know what tornado sirens sound like (example here).
• Shelter in place if a tornado is heading your way (I would never live in a tornado-prone area without a basement or underground storm shelter; unfortunately some people don't have much of a choice, trailers are probably the worst place to be during a tornado).
• Make sure your homeowner's insurance covers tornado damage.
• Study up on tornado preparedness (info here, here, here, and here).
• Do a home inventory video (or written or photos) since after a tornado your entire home may be gone; this is useful for filing an insurance claim.
• Make a bug out bag for each family member in case you need to evacuate either before or after the tornado.
• Take a CERT training course.
• Check your state government tornado preparedness page, your county preparedness page, and your city preparedness page.
• Learn how to safely clean up after a tornado.