With severe storms are expected throughout portions of Missouri, the American Red Cross wants to remind everyone that, if you haven’t already, it’s important to prepare your home and family in the event of severe storms and tornadoes.
HOW TO STAY SAFE: Individuals are encouraged to download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of thunderstorms, flooding and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The app also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free emergency app is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
TOP TIPS:
1. Identify a safe place in your home where household members and pets will gather during a tornado: a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
2. In a high-rise building, pick a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor.
3. In a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your safe place. No mobile home, however it is configured, is safe in a tornado.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE: A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible. A tornado WARNING means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon. GO TO YOUR SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY.
For more information on preparedness tips, please visit www.redcross.org .
