Tornado Prep

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

A tornado may have toppled this NJ tree.

I don’t remember hearing tornado warnings when I was younger.  Tornadoes were a phenomenon found in far-off places like Kansas.  However, over the past couple of years, tornado warnings have become common and some devastating tornadoes have hit NJ in the past year.  Is this the result of global warming?  Like everything these days that seems to be a political question, but the fact remains that it is a new threat that NJ residents and business owners now need to consider.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY AND REMEMBER THESE TIPS:

1. Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar. If there is no basement, get to a small, interior room on the lowest level.
2. Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
3. If you can safely get to a sturdy building, do so immediately.
4. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
5. Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
6. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

After the storm has passed:

1. If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
2. Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
3. Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
4. Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.
5. Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.

Of course, the SERVPRO Ready Plan APP will also prove invaluable if a disaster does occur.  Download it from the App Store today.