Tornado Season Preparation Checklist for Shoals Area Families

Tornado season in the Shoals area typically runs from March through May, with a secondary peak in November and December. Being prepared before a warning is issued can save your family's life.

Before Tornado Season

### Home Preparation - ✅ Identify the safest room in your home (interior room, lowest floor, no windows) - ✅ Reinforce your safe room door if possible - ✅ Trim dead branches from trees near your home - ✅ Secure outdoor furniture and loose items - ✅ Install a weather radio with battery backup

### Family Plan - ✅ Establish a meeting point if family members are separated - ✅ Practice tornado drills with all family members - ✅ Ensure everyone knows where the storm shelter or safe room is - ✅ Program emergency numbers into all family phones - ✅ Discuss what to do if caught outside during a tornado

### Emergency Kit - ✅ Water (1 gallon per person per day, 3-day supply) - ✅ Non-perishable food and manual can opener - ✅ Flashlights and extra batteries - ✅ First aid kit - ✅ Important documents in waterproof container - ✅ Cash in small bills - ✅ Phone chargers (battery-powered) - ✅ Medications (3-day supply)

During a Tornado Watch

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes. This is the time to: - Review your family plan - Charge all devices - Move your emergency kit to your shelter - Monitor weather radio and local news

During a Tornado Warning

A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. Take shelter immediately: - Go to your storm shelter or designated safe room - If no shelter is available, go to the lowest floor of a sturdy building - Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls - Cover yourself with blankets, pillows, or a mattress - Do NOT try to outrun a tornado in your car

After a Tornado

• Check for injuries and provide first aid
• Watch for downed power lines and gas leaks
• Document damage for insurance claims
• Contact your storm shelter installer for inspection if the shelter was used