Alabama Tornado Season: How to prepare and stay informed

Over the last 20 years, the state of Alabama has experienced an average of 63 tornadoes every year, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

Even though peak tornado season in Alabama is between March and May, tornadoes can occur anytime in our state. 

Below is a checklist of helpful tornado preparedness tips from multiple sources including the Red Cross and Ready.gov. 

Get ready now. Here are 7 simple steps:

1. Identify a safe place

If your home is sturdy enough to withstand high winds, find a room on the lowest level with no windows. A basement is best. A centrally-located bathroom is second best. If you have neither of these, seek other options including a neighbor’s home or local shelter—manufactured and mobile homes are NOT safe. 

2. Practice Tornado Drills

Practice a tornado drill with your household periodically during the year. 

Make a plan and create a personal support team of people you can assist or may assist you. Know where to go in your home or place of business. 

3. Stay Connected (don’t depend on local sirens!)

Timely notification makes all the difference. 

• Charge your cell phone.
• Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a solar or battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings. 
• Download the FEMA notifications app on your phone. 
• Check phone settings to have emergency alerts ON.
• Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips. 
• Don’t rely on tornado sirens, get the news directly. 

4. Create a tornado preparedness kit

Have these items on hand before a tornado might strike:  

• Helmets (bike helmets are fine; make sure you have them for little ones, too)
• Flashlights
• Comfortable and sturdy-soled shoes (no sandals or flip-flops)
• Charged cell phone
• Weather radio
• Bottled water and non-perishable, ready-to-eat food

5. Create a survival kit

Always have a survival kit ready in case a tornado hits your home and community.  

Items include:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered, solar or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

Go to Ready.gov’s “Build a kit” site for all the details.

6. Day of Severe Weather

On the actual day of severe weather it’s time to enact your plans:

• Stay tuned to the news and weather. Watch the NWS Radar:  https://radar.weather.gov/
• Set your cell phone for emergency alerts. Here’s a video with easy instructions for iPhone and Android phones.
• Test radio + charge cell phone
• Fill up gas tank 

7. After a storm

After a storm, especially if there is damage, it’s important to be careful and follow some common sense tips.

• Keep listening to the radio—additional storms may follow
• Do not enter damaged buildings
• Stay clear of power lines
• Watch out for glass and exposed nails
• Report damage or people in need. Call the Red Cross 1-800-RedCross or visit this site. 

Be Proactive: Why it matters

Forensic Meteorologist Harmony Mendoza sums up why being weather aware, connected and prepared this tornado season matters.

“By taking proactive steps and seeking trustworthy information, individuals can better protect themselves and their families in the event of a tornado.”