Tornado emergency situations can throw up many different scenarios. Nobody ever really knows what they’ll need, how long they’ll need them for, or exactly what will happen. That’s why you have to be prepared during the tornado season. Expect one or more of the following to happen:

• loss of utilities
• loss of services
• loss of mobility
• loss of convenience
• loss or damage to property

There might also be some emergency repairs to be done because of damage caused by the tornado. Quick fixes can help the situation until normal services can be resumed. So what sort of stuff will you need to have handy?

 

Tools & Items to Prepare for a Tornado

Consider purchasing the following items to prepare for a tornado.

Storage and Item Protection

Large Trash Cans: Disaster supplies stored in large trash cans with lids (plastic ones) and wheels for easy mobility, without leaks or holes so that they can be floated if necessary.

Plastic Sheeting: Big rolls of plastic sheeting up to 75 yards to be on the same side can help keep storm water out of your home and property.

Rope: To tie down items that are prone to flying off during a tornado or to secure plastic sheeting around items.

 

Light Sources

Flashlights: Flashlights and batteries which must work! Check and replace the batteries regularly. It’s a good idea if each member of the family has their own private flashlight to offer a little security.

 Matches: Keep matches in a watertight container. You never know if they’ll get exposed to storm water and end up ruined. Better yet, purchase stormproof matches like the ones below.

Wind Proof Butane Lighters: Lighters are a good alternative to matches (as matches don’t light so well in high winds).

Magnesium Fire Starters: Magnesium strikers are another alternative to matches.

Lamps/Lanterns: Lamps and lanterns (oil burners) offer a great light source when the power is down. Don’t forget extra fuel for any type of lamp or lantern you have and don’t leave children unsupervised around these lamps and lanterns as they can be a fire hazard in the wrong hands.

Candles: Candles are another possible light source but must not be left unattended at any time.

Other Tornado Emergency Tools

• Fire extinguisher
• Cordless drills (with spare batteries) and different heads
• Assorted screws
• Hammer and nails
• Scissors
• Pliers
• Large heavy duty levers (you never know what you might have to lift)
• 6 feet long wood, 4×4 or 2×4 posts (wood does not conduct heat or electricity)
• Step ladder
• Extension ladder
• Nylon rope and tow straps
• Shovels: both pointed and flat blades
• Brooms and Mops: for the clean up job
• Heavy duty rakes
• Buckets, sponges, heavy duty rubber gloves
• Wheelbarrow
• Chain saw
• Hacksaw

I know, I know, the list is endless, but you really do need to be prepared. You never know what a tornado might throw at you… literally.