Are you and your family ready for severe weather?

TORNADOES ARE AMONG NATURE’S MOST VIOLENT and unpredictable storms, and Texas regularly sees plenty of them. Survival is a matter of planning and preparation. In Texas, tornadoes are more prevalent from April through July, with May and June being the peak months. But remember: like thunderstorms, tornadoes can form any time of the year and occur in every state in the country. One of the most alarming aspects of tornadoes is their randomness; there’s no telling whose home it will miss and whose it will hit. Your best defense is to be alert and prepared.

BE PREPARED BEFOREHAND

Pay attention to local weather reports. You can get reliable information from broadcasts on a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio and via free alerts by apps on your mobile phone or other devices. If you use a mobile app, plan to use it sparingly to save power on your device if the electricity goes out.

Develop a family emergency plan. Make sure everyone in the family knows where to go in case a tornado warning is issued while they’re at home, school, work, or on the road.

Assemble a family emergency supply kit. Make certain everything you need is in one specific, easy-to-access location. Perishable items should be changed or replaced every six months. More information on assembling a kit can be found on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website, ready.gov.

During any emergency, follow local officials’ instructions. Take time before bad weather arrives to learn about emergency plans established in your area by state and local governments.

STAY ALERT AFTERWARD

Continue to monitor local radio or TV for emergency information and the potential of additional storms.

Be aware of possible structural, electrical, or gas leak hazards in and around recovery sites. If you see these hazards, report them to the proper local authorities and/or utilities. Do not touch downed power lines or objects that are in contact with them. Call Farmers EC at 903-455-1715 to report downed power lines.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RESOURCES

The following websites and apps can help you stay informed, connected, and prepared before, during, and after a tornado.

National Weather Service
nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/tornadoes

Red Cross
redcross.org/prepare/disaster/tornado

Federal Emergency Management Agency
ready.gov/tornadoes

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/tornadoes/index.asp

Nixle: Gathers and distributes weather advisories from over 5,000 public safety agencies, such as local fire departments and emergency management agencies.

American Red Cross Tornado: Find step-by-step instructions on how to prepare for and recover from a tornado. Provides live tornado warnings, a map, and an “I’m Safe” button allowing those affected by recent tornadoes to notify family and friends.

American Red Cross First Aid: Offers safety tips specifically for bad weather and natural disasters, including tornadoes. All info is downloaded with the app, so an Internet connection is not required, and a 911 integration feature allows emergency phone calls to be made directly from the app.

TAKE CHARGE.

Save on your Electric bill and Request our Farmers EC Home Energy Efficiency Guide in the Efficiency hub.