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Tornado Safety Preparation

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# Tornado Safety Preparation
This playbook provides a comprehensive guide for homeowners to prepare their home and family for a tornado. It includes steps for securing the property, developing a safety plan, and identifying appropriate sheltering methods.

### Step 1: Awareness
Stay informed about local weather forecasts and sign up for tornado alerts through local news sources, weather apps, or community alert systems.

### Step 2: Emergency Kit
Prepare an emergency kit containing water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, a whistle, and other essentials.

### Step 3: Family Plan
Develop a family tornado plan that includes identification of a safe room or storm shelter, a communication strategy, and practice drills.

### Step 4: Secure Home
Inspect and fortify your home by securing loose items, reinforcing doors/windows, and considering the installation of a safe room or storm shelter.

### Step 5: Insurance Review
Review and update your homeowners insurance policy to ensure it covers tornado damage and consider adding additional coverage if necessary.

### Step 6: Sheltering
Identify the safest place in your home to take shelter during a tornado, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls.

### Step 7: Practice Drills
Conduct regular tornado drills with all family members so everyone knows what to do and where to go when a tornado warning is issued.

## General Notes

### Shelter Options
If your home does not have a basement or storm shelter, consider arranging a shelter plan with a neighbor who has one or research community shelter locations.

### Pet Safety
Include your pets in your tornado safety plan by having a pet emergency kit and safe transport options readily available.