Special offer

Tornado Survival for Southern Californians

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart Realty West, Carlsbad, CA 01335928

Did I hear the alert correctly on the television today?  The emergency broadcast system sent an alert over the the television stating there is a TORNADO WATCH today in ENCINITAS and North San Diego county!

Can it be true?

My daughter asked me, "Mom, what do we do if a tornado comes?"  I paused and thought for a moment.....

I'm sure if she asked me about an earthquake I could answer her question, however, she already knows what to do in case of an earthquake because they teach them in school.  Afterall, earthquakes are expected in Southern California, but a TORNADO?!

So, I decided to do a little research on Tornado Survival Tips and this is what I came up with:

  • Go to the lowest point of your home or office such as basement.
  • Move to the center of the room away from windows
  • If you do not have a basement as is the case of most homes in San Diego then go to the lowest floor and to the center of the room preferably in a closet or a bathroom or a place without windows or
  • Get under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold onto it
  • If you are in a mobile home...get out and seek shelter somewhere else
  • If you are outside, get into the nearest building or lie in a ditch (beware of flooding)
  • If you are in your car, get out and into the nearest building or lie in a ditch or lowest point you can find
  • Have a cell phone and flashlight with you as well as bottles of water
  • Carry a first aid kit with you into your "shelter" if possible
  • Talk to your family and have an out of state relative take phone calls in case you can not be reached

Oh, by the way, it never manifested into a tornado, but, now I can say I know what to do if a tornado ever strikes Southern California!!

Posted by

Visit my website at www.debbierumsey.com to access the San Diego MLS and sign up for email alerts on new properties.

Comments (2)

Duane Murphy
Expert Real Estate Partners LLC - Appleton, WI
Broker- Owner-Real Estate -

WoW!  I never put much thought into the fact that you don't have to deal with Mother Nature's finger of fury! We are so used to them here in the Midwest that they teach what to do in school. Probably the same as how you treat earthquakes!

Jan 19, 2010 11:14 AM
Debbie Rumsey
HomeSmart Realty West, Carlsbad, CA - Encinitas, CA
Realtor, Green, SFR

I had to do a double take when I heard the announcement on the TV and then I ran to the internet to confirm.  Definitely not a normal occurance here!

Jan 19, 2010 11:57 AM