Prepare for the storm
By Marie Plaskett | Winona County Red Cross

Tornado season is here, and our community has the chance right now to take some simple steps that can save lives if we are threatened by a storm this year.

We have already seen the devastation a tornado can have in Hugo, Minn., and we have been under a tornado warning ourselves. The disaster relief workers at the Winona County Red Cross Chapter of the American Red Cross work hard in this community every day to provide relief for those whose lives have been torn apart by disasters. However, in addition to helping after a disaster, the Red Cross mission calls for us to play an equally important role in preparing communities before disaster strikes so that families can learn ways to stay safe when facing the annual tornado season.
We know that our region is at risk every year, so it is particularly vital that we work to keep our families safe by preparing for tornado season now. Taking a few moments to discuss some simple, common sense preparedness steps with your family can save your life and the lives of the ones you love.

Create and practice a home tornado plan: Pick an uncluttered place where family members could seek shelter: a basement, a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor.

Assemble a disaster supplies kit: Kits should contain a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and a manual can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries and other emergency items for the whole family.

Heed storm warnings: Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information. A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area. When a tornado warning is issued, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. If you

are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety.

Prepare for high winds: Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through. Install permanent shutters on your windows and add protection to the outside areas of sliding glass doors. Strengthen garage doors and unreinforced masonry. Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile.

For more information on tornado preparedness, call the Winona County Chapter of the American Red Cross at (507) 452-4258 or e-mail winredc@luminet.net

Plaskett is the executive director of the Winona County Red Cross.

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