Tornado Warnings in Houston area, Safety Tips for Families

The Houston area is facing severe storms tonight, and there are active tornado warnings. Here’s how you can keep yourself and your family safe:

1. Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest weather updates. Use a weather radio, local news, or weather apps to stay informed about tornado warnings and alerts.
2. Seek Shelter Immediately: If a tornado warning is issued, find shelter right away. The safest place to be is in a small, windowless room on the lowest floor of your home, like a basement, bathroom, or closet.
3. Avoid Windows: Stay away from windows. Flying debris from broken windows can cause serious injuries.
4. Use a Sturdy Object for Protection: If possible, get under something sturdy like a heavy table or workbench. Protect your head and neck with your arms or by using a heavy coat, blanket, or mattress.
5. Have an Emergency Kit Ready: Keep an emergency kit in your shelter area. This should include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, necessary medications, and important documents.
6. Don’t Stay in a Mobile Home: Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes. If you live in a mobile home, move to a nearby building or storm shelter.
7. Know Your Community’s Tornado Plan: Be aware of your community’s emergency plans, including where the nearest storm shelters are located.
8. If Caught Outside: If you cannot find a building to shelter in, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head with your hands. Do not stay in your car, as it can be easily overturned by strong winds.
9. After the Storm: Be careful of hazards like downed power lines, broken glass, and debris. Continue to listen for emergency information and instructions from local authorities.

Following these steps can help protect you and your loved ones during a tornado. Stay safe and be prepared.

In Houston, tornadoes can strike at any time of day, during any season, month, or day of the year. While statistics indicate that tornadoes are more common in late fall, winter, and spring, there truly is no “off season” for severe weather and tornadoes in Houston.

Staying Weather Alert in Houston:

In Houston, being aware of the weather is important all the time. Here’s how you can stay prepared:

1. Know the Weather Forecast: Always check the weather forecast so you and your family are not caught off guard. Watch local news, use weather apps, or check online weather services regularly.
2. Sign Up for Phone Alerts: Sign up for weather notifications on your phone. These alerts will keep you informed about severe weather and tornado warnings instantly.
3. Use a NOAA Weather Radio: An old school NOAA weather radio is a reliable way to get the latest updates. It will alert you even if your phone isn’t working or the power is out.

When facing the threat of a tornado, your safety should be the top priority. Knowing the best place to take cover can make all the difference. The first floor of a building is generally the safest place to be during a tornado, as it provides the most stability and protection against high winds and flying debris.

Once inside the building, seek out an interior hallway or closet. These areas are typically the most structurally sound, offering additional reinforcement against the force of the storm. Interior spaces are also less likely to have windows, reducing the risk of injury from shattered glass and flying debris.

When choosing your shelter spot, prioritize proximity to the center of the building. This maximizes the amount of structure between you and the outside elements, providing an added layer of defense against the tornado’s destructive forces. Avoid areas near exterior walls, as they are more susceptible to damage and collapse during severe weather.

If possible, try to find a location that is below ground level, such as a basement or storm cellar. These underground spaces offer the highest level of protection during a tornado, shielding you from the full force of the storm above.

Take some time with your family to decide where you’ll go to stay safe during a tornado. Find the safest spot in your home, like an interior hallway or closet on the first floor, away from windows. Also, choose a place where everyone will meet up after the storm if you get separated. Keep in mind that cell phones might not work after a tornado, so having a meeting spot is important.

Think of tornado preparedness as having two parts. First, make sure you know what to do and where to go to stay safe. Second, rely on meteorologists, like those at KHOU 11 News, for the latest weather updates. They will provide the information you need to make smart decisions and keep your family safe.

By planning ahead and staying informed, you can protect yourself and your loved ones during a tornado.