Quick Answer
Practice tornado drills with your family at least once a quarter, or every 3 months, to maintain awareness and ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of a tornado.
Preparing for Tornado Drills
It’s essential to schedule regular tornado drills with your family to maintain awareness and ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of a tornado. A minimum of 4-6 drills per year is recommended, with at least one drill per season.
Conducting Effective Drills
When conducting a drill, choose a day and time when everyone is available, and ideally when there are no other distractions or events. Start by sounding the tornado siren or alarm bell, which should be at least 3 seconds long to grab everyone’s attention. Once the alarm sounds, immediately shout “Tornado!” and proceed to the designated shelter area. In the shelter, take roll call to ensure everyone is accounted for, and practice staying in the shelter for at least 30 minutes, or until the all-clear signal is given.
Safety Considerations
When designing your tornado shelter, consider factors such as accessibility, visibility, and protection from debris. The shelter should be at least 6 feet below ground level, and ideally, have reinforced walls and a secure door. Practice evacuating the house quickly and safely, and designate a meeting spot outside the house where everyone can gather once it’s safe to do so. Make sure to review and update your emergency plan annually, or whenever there are changes to your household.
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