Last night, massive storms broke out all over North Texas and many other states. Granbury is located about 30 miles southwest of Fort Worth. The featured picture was taken by a Granbury resident as this monster tornado cut through the northern part of our area. It was a beast to behold.
When the tornado sirens go off, people need to pay attention. This has been a rough Spring with many strong storms. Some of our neighboring towns to the north experienced a direct hit. Our prayers are with them.
But, we are in Tornado Alley so it is wise to respect the power of these storms and to stay prepared. Many new people have moved to our area who have yet to experience these scary storms.
🌪 Determine where the safest place in your home may be. Sometimes it is a closet with no windows. However, most of our tornadoes come from the west so be wary of the location of the closet and choose one that is not on the western wall. Another common space is under stairs or in a bathtub if there is not another good place to escape.Â
🌪 Stay away from windows. As tempting as it is to watch these storms come in, they can surprise you with their speed and before you know it, you are in the middle of a nasty situation.
🌪 Consider purchasing or building a storm shelter. The investment may save you, your family, and your pet's lives. Home Depot and Lowes have storm shelters that can be installed in your garage.
🌪 In your safe area, keep some necessary items on hand. Water, first aid kit, blankets, radio, flashlight, non-perishable food, and any other items you might need.
🌪 Practice your safety plan with your family. Make sure everyone knows where to go and what to do when the weather turns deadly. We always ask our 13-year-old to verbally repeat the plan to us so we know he understands exactly what to do.
🌪 Check on your neighbors. Make sure your neighbors know what's coming. Some people may have already gone to bed or have the TV off. Staying in contact is a good idea.
🌪 Consider purchasing a weather radio. If the power goes out, these devices can provide needed information.
We are thankful this monster tornado skirted our town. We were not so fortunate in 2013 when Granbury was directly hit and experienced dozens of homes lost and many lives lost. The storm hit at dusk and the recovery phase was difficult because it was night.Â
Whether the sirens go off or not, impending weather should be taken seriously. Stay vigilant, be prepared, and stay safe.
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