Tornado preparedness tips for Alabama residents

Earlier this week we all heard rumblings about a possible major severe weather outbreak in Alabama for this coming Saturday, March 15th. According to all four of the National Weather Service Offices that cover the state, we need to prepare for potentially dangerous weather.

Below are the forecasts from each office. As you can see from all four forecast maps the entire of state will be under “enhanced” risk for tornadoes.

Be prepared Alabama

With some storms arriving on Friday, it is not too late to prepare.

One of the best websites to prepare you for tornadoes and severe weather is found at: https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-prepare

Below is an excerpt from the site. As you can see, you need to make several plans, ranging from a communication plan, a plan where to shelter with your family and even a plan if your place is hit by a tornado.

• Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you’re at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings. Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips.
• Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smart phones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes.
• Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get too quickly, such as a church or family member.
• Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Check more ideas for your family plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
• Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued. Don’t forget pets if time allows.
• Prepare Your Home: Consider having your safe room reinforced. You can find plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.
• Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt.

Hope these handy tips help you take care of your family, friends and pets this St. Patrick Day weekend.

We recommend you check each U.S. National Weather Service Office and your local broadcast regularly for the latest weather updates.