Stay Weather Safe: How To Prepare For A Tornado In An Apartment In Westfield
If you live in the Midwest, you can anticipate severe storms every year. In all likelihood, your locale will even face a tornado warning at some point. While everyone knows how to find safety in a house during a tornado, the guidance for apartment Residents is not as clear. In case you don’t have a lower level to retreat to, here’s how to prepare for a tornado in an apartment in Westfield.
Tornado Warning? Where To Shelter In Your Apartment Building
When the tornado sirens go off outside your Westfield apartment, where can you go? A limited number of apartments have below-ground levels. You may not even live on the ground floor.
While not many tornadoes are powerful enough to demolish a sturdy apartment building, smaller ones can still uproot trees, tear off roofs, or send debris through glass. Always take cover during strong winds or tornado warnings in one of these locations:
- The sub-level of an underground parking garage
- The bottom floor of your building, and away from windows
- A ground-floor neighbor’s apartment
- Interior stairwells or halls without windows
- A windowless room or closet of your apartment
- Underneath a sturdy table
- In the bathtub with a thick blanket as protection
When you find a place to shelter, wear a bike helmet or shield your head with a large pillow.
Prepare Ahead Of Time For Severe Weather
The smartest way to prepare for a tornado in your apartment in Westfield is to monitor weather conditions and plan in advance. Your plan needs to incorporate some emergency supplies if you are confined to your home or have to leave quickly. Pick a designated location to stow your disaster kit and pack the following:
- Portable radio
- Flashlight
- Additional batteries
- Backup set of car and apartment keys
- Cell phone charger
- Cash
- First aid kit
- Photocopy of your ID
- Shelf-stable snacks
- Sealed water
- Crucial medications
- Pet supplies
Examine your supplies every six months to make sure they still operate, and replenish the food and water. When you are in a tornado warning, take proper shoes and clothing with you when taking cover.
Severe winds can easily damage power lines in your neighborhood. For power outages, keep these items on hand:
- Non-perishable food that you don’t have to cook
- Battery-powered lights
- A power bank for your smartphone
When prepared, you’ll endure any situation better and feel more reassured.
What To Avoid During A Tornado
Everyone believes it won’t happen to them. You can prevent injury or worse during a tornado by playing it smart. Take shelter immediately and don’t
- Ride an elevator during a tornado
- Watch out the window
- Venture outdoors
- Take shelter under shelves, heavy wall art, or tall furniture
Make Union Street Flats Your Home In All Kinds Of Weather!
We can’t prevent tornadoes, but we can give you an outstanding apartment lifestyle at Union Street Flats! You’ll feel perfectly at home in one of our spacious apartments complemented by modern amenities in a well-maintained community. Call (317) 942-3629 or arrange a tour to discover why we’re a sought-after place to come home to in Westfield.