Spring is quickly approaching which means so too is tornado season. The age-old idiom of April showers bring May flowers leaves out one important detail, severe storms. The Midwest has already experienced several severe thunderstorms this year that have shaken up many communities and caused millions in property damage. Severe storms can cause dangerous straight line winds and on extreme occasions, even tornados. While it’s virtually impossible to prevent either of these from affecting your home, it’s easy to be better prepared for them.

Tip #1: Decide on a safe room/area in your home to take shelter.

This is perhaps the most important thing to consider when preparing for a severe thunderstorm or tornado. The Red Cross recommends taking shelter in either a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with little to no windows. When severe weather strikes, wind can be traveling anywhere from 50 to over 100 miles per hour. This is more than enough to shatter glass and even rip parts of your home away.

Tip #2: Make sure to keep emergency supplies in your shelter area.

A wide range of accidents can occur during severe weather. It’s best to prepare for any situation with a simple first aid kit, extra batteries, blankets and a portable radio. Access to a NOAA Weather Radio can be vital for individuals that live in certain areas where natural disasters such as tornadoes are more prevalent. These radios can provide homeowners with crucial weather updates from local officials during storms.

Tip #3: Ensure you have proper insurance coverage on your home.

While dealing with severe weather and tornadoes is hard enough, the last thing you want to contend with is the recovery of damaged and lost property after an incident. One insurance provider, Allstate, mentions that many insurance policies typically cover damage caused by wind and hail. We encourage you to talk with your insurance agent to discover your coverage level in case of an emergency.

Tip #4: Keep your smartphone handy

Try to keep your smartphone handy can prove to be vital during severe weather. If you get cut off from your alarm pad you can utilize your ADT Pulse application to alert emergency services for help. To learn more about what your ADT Pulse app can do we encourage you to read more online.

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