This weekend the lives of thousands of our neighbors in Northern Ohio were changed in the blink of an eye. Tornadoes and severe weather wreaked havoc in Wood County causing millions in damages and killing at least 5 people. When I first heard the news of the destruction these storms had caused, my heart went out to them and I prayed that God would give their families strength and comfort to get through this terrible ordeal.
We've all heard the warnings of what we should do when a tornado has been spotted in the area - go to the basement, stay away from windows, lay in a ditch instead of staying in your car, etc. But have you ever heard what you should do BEFORE a tornado has been spotted? Here are a few things to consider prior to tornado season:
CHECK YOUR HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE: Do you have enough coverage? What is and isn't covered in the event of a tornado? Have you documented your personal belongings and placed that documentation somewhere other than your home? A quick call to your agent can help you answer these questions and give you piece of mind.
PREPARE A SUMMER SURVIVAL KIT: Even if your house isn't damaged in the event that a tornado hits your community, you may still be affected by the loss of services such as electric and water. Having a summer survival kit prepared will ensure your family has what they need to stay as comfortable as possible while waiting for the services to be repaired. Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website for tips on what your survival kit should contain.
HAVE A PLAN: Talk with your kids about what your family will do in the event of severe weather. Have a plan of where you will go and what you will bring with you. Knowing what to expect in advance will help your family stay calm should you need to put the plan in to action.
Tornado season typically runs from April through July, with the peak season in the months of April and May. While accomplishing the above tasks would ideally be done before these dates, it's not too late. Take action so when Mother Nature visits, you'll be prepared. Your life might just depend on it.
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