what to do after a tornado

In general, if you suspect any damage to your home, shut off electrical power, natural gas, and propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Stay away from power lines! Call for help. A good way to stay calm in the event of a tornado is to be prepared. Making sure to have all of your photos and documentation at hand. The tornado itself may cause severe damage to individuals and property, but the danger does not end when the storm does. Your presence could hamper relief efforts, and you could endanger yourself. How the Red Cross Responds After a Tornado. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves, and gloves. Immediately after a tornado. Protecting yourself and your family requires promptly treating any injuries suffered during the storm and using extreme care to avoid further hazards. INSIDER. Protect Yourself from Mold After the winds and rain die down, you should take certain precautions to ensure your safety to limit the damage to your home and get help from your insurance company if need be. Injury may result from the direct impact of a tornado, or it may occur afterward when people walk among debris and enter damaged buildings. Explain that a tornado is a natural event. Contact your local city or county building inspectors for information on structural safety codes and standards. Have any puncture wound evaluated by a physician. If the cost of damages done during the storm exceeds your home insurance deductible, the standard protocol is to file the claim. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated. After a tornado, the wreckage left behind poses additional injury risks. 1. Do not return to your house until you are told it is safe to do so. Small wounds may be washed with soap and water and then bandaged to reduce the risk of infection. Tell your child that the situation is not permanent, and provide physical reassurance through time spent together and displays of affection. After a tornado, be aware of possible structural, electrical, or gas-leak hazards in your home. Prepare for Tornadoes Stay Safe During Stay Safe After Associated Content Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. After a tornado killed 18 people in an Evansville, Indiana, mobile home park, the state passed a first-of-its-kind law requiring that these manufactured homes come equipped with … Kansas City Star. Remain calm. If you are trapped, try to attract attention to your location. During a tornado, people face hazards from extremely high winds and risk being struck by flying and falling objects. Knowing what to do in […] Councilor Kip Tyner, […] Include your child in clean-up activities. Tornadoes are erratic and unpredictable and do not follow a specific path. Contact your local city or county building inspectors for information on structural safety codes and standards. However, it’s just as important to be prepared for what to do in the aftermath of a tornado strike as well. Knowing what to do when you see a tornado, or when you hear a tornado warning, can help protect you and your family. Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm. After the winds and rain die down, you should take certain precautions to ensure your safety to limit the damage to your home and get help from your insurance company if need be. Power lines are down, and you want to make sure that the storm has indeed passed. There is no substitute for staying alert to the sky. It is important to our team that we provide the guidance and support you need to get you back to normal as fast as possible. Recommended Stories. Other common causes of injury included falling objects and heavy, rolling objects. What to Do After a Tornado. A tornado, whether you expect it or not, could be an event that leaves your home and property in terrible shape. Policies provided by Hippo in AZ, CA, CO, NV, OR, UT and WA are underwritten by, Policies provided by Hippo in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, ME, MN, MO, MS, NH, NE, NJ, NM, NV, OH, PA, SC, TX, TN, VA and WI are underwritten by. If you smell gas or chemical fumes, immediately evacuate the area and contact authorities. You’ve been through a tornado and if that’s not enough: Remain cautious because there is still danger everywhere. Replace bandages if they become soiled, damaged, or waterlogged. They may also offer suggestions on finding a qualified contractor to do work for you. Tornadoes usually hit in the afternoon or early evening, and most don't last longer than 10 minutes. Continue to monitor your battery-powered radio or television for emergency information. Give first aid when appropriate. It is comforting to children to watch the household begin to return to normal and to have a job to do. Check out other CBS 42 “10 Years Later” segments here. Pace yourself. Do not attempt to move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Cooperate fully with public safety officials. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Natural Disasters, Severe Weather, and COVID-19, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), National Center for Injury and Violence Prevention and Control (NCIPC), Natural Disasters and COVID-19: Preparedness Information for Specific Groups, COVID-19 Resources for Professionals & Emergency Workers, Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Generic Plans for COVID-19 Specimen Testing and Management During a Hurricane, Protecting Vulnerable Groups from Extreme Heat, Information for Professionals and Response Workers, Information for Organized Sporting Events, Epidemiologic Methods for Relief Operations, How to Help Loved Ones in Hurricane-Affected Areas, Resources for Emergency Health Professionals, Health and Safety Concerns for All Disasters, Fact Sheet: Protection from Animal and Insect Hazards, Clinical Guidance for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, CO Poisoning: Flyers and Educational Materials, Checklist for Reopening Healthcare Facilities, Prevent Illness and Injury After a Disaster, Immunization Recommendations for Individuals, Immunization Recommendations for Responders, Preventing Chain Saw Injuries During Tree Removal After a Disaster, Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event, Coping After a Natural Disaster: Resources for Teens, Finding a New Normal: Life After a Natural Disaster, Healthy Ways to Deal with Stress after a Natural Disaster, Helping Teens Cope After a Natural Disaster, Resources for State and Local Governments, Emergency Responders: Tips for taking care of yourself, Infection Control Guidance for Community Evacuation Centers, Respiratory Infections in Evacuation Centers, Medical Management and Patient Advisement, Human Trafficking in the Wake of a Disaster, Guidelines for a Diapering Station in Evacuation Centers, Interim Guidelines for Animal Health and Control of Disease Transmission in Pet Shelters, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Children may even interpret disasters as punishment for real or imagined misdeeds. Don’t forget to document any damage you find. Learn proper safety procedures and operating instructions before operating any gas-powered or electric-powered saws or tools. Offer reassurance. Follow this guide to prepare yourself and your family in the event of a tornado. Your insurance company is your reliable source for repair assistance; however, if your damage doesn’t warrant filing a claim, just be wary. Clean up spilled medicines, drugs, flammable liquids, and other potentially hazardous materials. Talk about your own experiences with severe storms, or read aloud a book about tornadoes. What you need to do AFTER a tornado strikes. Don't try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Be aware of hazards from exposed nails and broken glass. If someone has stopped breathing, begin CPR if you are trained to do so. The most important thing to do after a tornado is filing a claim with your home insurance company. Never leave a candle burning when you are out of the room. If you see frayed wiring or sparks, or if there is an odor of something burning, you should immediately shut off the electrical system at the main circuit breaker if you have not done so already. Hang up displaced telephone receivers that may have been knocked off by the tornado, but stay off the telephone, except to report an emergency. Counselors are listed under Mental Health Services in the yellow pages of your telephone directory. Keeping up with the weather news can reduce any confusion or anxiety impacting those affected by a significant tornado. Know the signs of a tornado: Weather forecasting science is not perfect and some tornadoes do occur without a tornado warning. Fact: While the vast majority of tornadoes do indeed follow a northeasterly course, a twister can travel in any direction. In a residence or small building, move to a predesignated shelter, such as a basement, storm cellar, or safe room or shelter. Encourage your child to express feelings of fear. Living through a tornado is among the most distressing experiences an individual can have. Protect Yourself with Preparedness. Will you have to evacuate? Those injuries occurred during rescue attempts, cleanup efforts and other post-tornado activities. News Tornadoes How to Help After a Tornado Those wanting to help following a tornado have several options. In fact, a study in Marion, Illinois found that 50 percent of the injuries related to a tornado happened after the storm. It is also a best practice to hold on to any receipts and invoices for work done to your home. You are safer, and it is easier to do the full-walk-around inspection of your home and the entire yard during daylight; it will also make it easier to take photos of any damage. Tornadoes strike quickly, leaving communities around the country devastated in their wake. Practicing tornado safety even before one hits is the best method. Contact a doctor to find out whether more treatment is needed (such as a tetanus shot). They can donate to disaster relief organizations in their area, volunteer with the relief effort, or help individual friends or family members … Help injured or trapped persons. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. In the aftermath of a tornado. What to Do After a Tornado. Children will be less likely to experience prolonged fear or anxiety if they know what to expect after a tornado. A study of injuries after a tornado in Marion, Illinois, showed that 50 percent of the tornado-related injuries were suffered during rescue attempts, cleanup, and other post-tornado activities. It was June 1 st of 2011 when a Tornado touched down that would affect the lives of many and take the lives of three. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Besides an obviously visible tornado, here are some things to look and listen for: If it is dark when you are inspecting your home, use a flashlight rather than a candle or torch to avoid the risk of fire or explosion in a damaged home. What To Do After A Tornado. You can still ask your insurance company for a list of reliable contractors or another option is to search online for a highly-rated local service. Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates. Knowing what steps to take care of your home after a tornado can be confusing. Finding a way to stay on top of the situation outside while you are hunkering down in your home is paramount. Report electrical hazards to the police and the utility company. Check for injuries. After a tornado has occurred, as businesses take steps to recover from the storm, workers may face significant hazards including the potential for additional storms, downed electric lines, and sharp debris. When the storm also destroys your home, things become even more complicated. Listen carefully and show understanding. 2. Be aware of the possibility of broken gas lines and chemical spills. Knowing the precautions to take after a tornado hits is just as important. A tornado, whether you expect it or not, could be an event that leaves your home and property in terrible shape. Larry, Springfield, MA, 2011. *Hippo Insurance Services ("Hippo") is a general agent for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance companies. Contact your local city or county building inspectors for information on structural safety codes and standards. Learn what to do if you are under a tornado warning and how to stay safe when a tornado threatens. TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — Over the last decade, Tuscaloosa’s Alberta community has undergone something of a rebirth. But now, the community is slowly coming back. Teacher names baby after student killed in Okla. tornado Back to school for kids in tornado-ravaged Moore, Okla. Tornado survivor, her dog found in rubble: How they're doing Hippo is here to support you in any way we can. Children, especially, may fear the storm will come back, or … While you may be keen to assess damage to your home immediately, it puts you at unnecessary risk. Here are some suggestions: NOTE: Symptoms of anxiety may not appear for weeks or even months after a tornado; they can affect people of any age. The links below to find out what you can do after a tornado has occurred. Avoiding any immediate clean-up and/or disposal of property and documenting any damage you find is very important because even a small issue could lead to significant problems in the coming months. If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lower level (closets, interior hallways).Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Clean out all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Never use generators, pressure washers, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or camper—or even outside near an open window, door, or vent. If anxiety disrupts daily activities for any member of your family, seek professional assistance through a school counselor, community religious organization, your physician, or a licensed professional. Be careful when entering any structure that has been damaged. The best contractors usually don’t go door-to-door. Have injuries treated by a medical professional. Tornadoes can do some awesome, yet scary things. Get medical assistance immediately. 2. What to do after a tornado. If you use candles, make sure they are in safe holders away from curtains, paper, wood, or other flammable items. For more information about this, please click HERE. Because tornadoes often damage power lines, gas lines, or electrical systems, there is a risk of fire, electrocution, or an explosion. Our team understands what you’re going through, and we are experts in handling your claim care. Decide what you will say when you make your initial claim. Keep in mind there could be slippery areas, electrical lines broken and exposed, loose floor boards or ceiling tiles, etc. After tornadoes, excess moisture and water can contribute to growth of mold in homes and other buildings. If you’ve gone through a tornado, or even a very severe storm recently, or you live somewhere that such weather is typical, be sure to keep these steps in mind to get your house back in operating order quickly. It would be best to hold on to any receipts and invoices for work done to your home. When the calm before the tornado becomes the chaos after it, use these tips to help recover and stay safe. Ensure you have access to radio, internet, or television. After a tornado has hit there are several things you can do: Above all else, try to stay calm! Once you think the storm has passed: Tune into the weather channel. If you do nothing else: 1. Knowing the precautions to take after a tornado hits is just as important. Check the local weather station to find out if your area is at risk for another tornado. Notify the gas company, the police or fire departments, or State Fire Marshal’s office, and do not turn on the lights, light matches, smoke, or do anything that could cause a spark. Not all of it will be immediately obvious. Hippo is licensed as a property casualty insurance agency in all states in which products are offered. If you end up in the path of a tornado, the experience can be traumatizing, no matter how well you prepared ahead of time. On April 27, 2011, nearly 65% of the community was destroyed by a tornado that devastated Tuscaloosa. Assess any first aid your family may need. After the storm has passed, you should check your home to learn the extent of the damage. Render assistance to neighbors if necessary. CDC twenty four seven. Turn on radio or television to get the latest … The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. An emphasis on tornado preparedness can be linked to saving countless lives and reducing injuries, and more and more people than ever are emerging from disasters relatively-unscathed. Click here is a relative stranger to the police and the utility.... They are in immediate danger of further injury, leaving communities around the country devastated their!, excess moisture and water and then bandaged to reduce the risk of infection early. You can do: Above all else, try to attract attention to home! 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In Marion, Illinois found that 50 percent of the possibility of broken gas lines chemical! Home to learn the extent of the situation outside while you are trained do!

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