Is your home Tornado ready in Bentonville, AR?

Although residents in Arkansas are not typically considered part of ‘Tornado Alley,’ we do see our fair share of twisters throughout the year. We have suffered from many devastating tornadoes that have torn communities apart.

As a community, we must come together and properly prepare for tornado season ahead of time. If you want to safeguard your home, family, and possessions, we have basic tornado safety tips that can make a world of difference and prevent storm damage.

Tornado Safety Tips

First and foremost, it’s best not to wait; if you know tornado season is just around the corner, act before the weather strikes. You can take active steps to protect your home by installing storm windows, boarding, and stockpiling food and medicine for the duration of the bad weather.

Here are a few basic tornado safety tips, thanks to the experts at Ready:

• Understand your city’s tornado risk. All of Arkansas is at greater risk for tornados that many other states.
• Know the telltale signs of an incoming tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, approaching debris, or a roaring noise.
• Sign up for your local warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio both provide emergency alerts for tornado weather. Keep a working radio in your home or shelter.
• Identify and practice your escape plan to a nearby safe shelter. If you don’t have a shelter, use a safe room that meets FEMA criteria.
• If possible, try to board up windows, secure loose furniture, and safeguard prized possessions.

What to Do During a Tornado

If it’s too late and a tornado has touched down nearby, you still have time to act. Here are a few tips to follow in case of an emergency:

• Seek immediate shelter in a safe place such as a basement, shelter, or sturdy structure.
• If you cannot walk to a shelter, immediately get in a vehicle and drive to the closest one.
• Stay away from any bridges or highway overpasses.
• If there are strong winds and flying debris, pull over and park your vehicle. Keep your seat belt firmly in place and the engine running. Do your best to put your head down below the window, covering your head and face with both hands or a blanket.

Steps to Take After a Tornado Hits

In the wake of a tornado, you’ll likely be reeling from the experience. Your adrenaline is high and you may find yourself suffering from shock. Take a moment to collect yourself. Then:

• Ensure friends and family know you are safe. You can register on the Safe and Well website or on Facebook.
• If you were evacuated, wait until local authorities give the all-clear to return to your home.
• Continue monitoring local weather broadcasts for updated information and clear instructions.
• Check yourself and others nearby for injuries.
• Be wary of any debris inside your home or around the yard. You can easily step on sharp objects.

In the event of a tornado, your home may be devastated by high wind speeds and flying debris. To handle the damage, call Restoration 1 of Northwest Arkansas.