Tornado season can bring an unsettling mix of uncertainty and urgency, especially as spring turns into early summer. With April, May, and June being the most active months for tornadoes in the U.S., homeowners are asking the same question: how can I keep my family and property safe?
As the nation’s premier disaster restoration expert, Paul Davis has helped countless property owners recover after severe storms, and we know the steps you can take now to be ready before the sirens ever sound.
Preparing For A Tornado
Tornadoes often strike with little warning, which makes preparation even more critical. A solid plan and a few proactive measures can significantly reduce the risks to both people and property. Here are some key ways to prepare your home and family before tornado season hits:
Create an Emergency Plan
Identify a safe room or storm shelter in your home — ideally, a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows. Ensure every household member knows where to go and how to respond when a tornado warning is issued. Don’t forget to include your pets in the plan!
Assemble an Emergency Kit
Keep a kit stocked with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents. Store it in your safe room or another easily accessible location.
Secure Outdoor Items
Patio furniture, grills, garbage bins, and other outdoor objects can become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Anchor them securely or bring them inside when tornado warnings are issued.
Trim Trees & Branches
Strong winds can snap branches and uproot trees, damaging roofs, windows, and vehicles. Regularly trimming trees around your home can help prevent these hazards.
Reinforce Windows & Doors
Consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows, and make sure your doors are tightly sealed and reinforced. Garage doors, in particular, should be checked for sturdiness.
Know How to Shut Off Utilities
Learn how to turn off your gas, water, and electricity in case of damage. Doing so can help you prevent further hazards after a storm has passed.
Sign Up for Local Alerts
Enroll in your community’s emergency notification system or download a weather alert app to stay informed in real-time.
Know the Signs
Tornadoes can form quickly. Sometimes, it is quicker than notification systems can keep up with. If you notice a funnel-shaped cloud, a roaring sound like a train, or a cloud of debris approaching, don’t wait for your phone to alert you — get inside and take cover.
Where Are Tornadoes Most Common?
Tornadoes are most common in the region known as “Tornado Alley,” which includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota. However, tornadoes can and do occur in nearly every state, with increasing activity in areas of the Southeast and Midwest. Spring and early summer are the peak seasons for tornadoes due to the clash of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cool, dry air from the Rockies or Canada.
It’s important to note that tornadoes involve more than destructive winds. They often arrive alongside heavy rain, large hail, lightning, and flash flooding, all of which can compound the damage to your home and property.
Why Choose Paul Davis For Restoration After A Tornado?
Quick and comprehensive restoration is crucial to restoring life after a tornado impacts your property. Paul Davis offers emergency response services, structural stabilization, water damage restoration, and complete property reconstruction tailored to your needs.
With decades of experience and a reputation built on trust and compassion, we’re proud to be the go-to team for restoring homes and businesses after disaster strikes. From the first assessment to the final repair, our team is committed to quality, safety, and getting you back on your feet faster and with less stress.
Contact Paul Davis today for expert help recovering from tornado damage across the United States.
