Planning to Own a Storm Shelter? Know These Things...

In purchasing a safe room please consider these questions and/or items:

1. Is the company reputable?
2. Has the storm shelter met FEMA's P-320 and P-361 standards? (standards that ensure design, construction, and structure integrity that will withstand the worst of storms and the debris)
3. We recommend purchasing a storm shelter that does not have welded corners holding the shelter together. The integrity of the shelter is dependent on the welds holding, if a piece of debris knocks a weld loose then the whole shelter is compromised.

Before the Storm…

• Have a plan of action for all disasters: Fire, Floods,Tornadoes, etc.

Tornado Watch. This means that weather conditions are favorable for the development of severe storms which can produce a possible tornado in and close to the watch area. If you are in or close to the watch area stay informed of the latest weather conditions. Make sure that your safe room is accessible to all members of your family. Dress for safety.

Tornado Warning. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. If you are in or close to the watch area, take immediate action and seek shelter.

During the  Storm…

• Avoid using appliances and land line telephones
• Stay away from open and glass windows

• If you are in an open area or country find a ditch or low area and lay down flat.
• In a small home or structure, go to the lowest part or to a small room in the middle. Cover yourself with a blanket or mattress.
• In a mobile home or vehicle, abandon it and seek shelter in a reinforce structure.
• Never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.

For schools, hospitals and shopping centers go to the designated shelter area. Interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from large open building. Avoid all open or glass windows.

EMERGENCY KIT

• Emergency battery powered radio.
• Battery powered TV.
• Medical kit
• Flash light
• Extra battery
• Blanket
• Food and water for several days

**Note: These items should be stored in your Southern Safe Room.**

Helping the Injured

• Check those with you for injuries, and administer first aid for minor injuries as needed.
• Do not attempt to move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger of additional injury. Get medical assistance as soon as possible by calling 911.
• If someone has stopped breathing, administer CPR if you have been trained to do so.
• Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure, and have puncture wounds evaluated by a physician or emergency medical personnel.

Beware of Hazards

• Keep away from downed power lines and report them to your utility company.
• Stay out of damaged buildings and homes until local emergency management officials have indicated it is safe to go inside them
• Watch for snakes or other animals that have been forced into your home by rising waters or flooding. Leave immediately if you smell fumes or gas, and notify emergency personnel.
• If your home has not been damaged, keep children and pets inside, away from any damage or debris outside. If you must take your pets outside, keep them on a leash to prevent them from running away and being injured by debris.
• If your home is without power, use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns rather than candles to prevent accidental fires
• Cooperate fully with local public safety officials and respond to request for volunteer assistance by police, firefighters and relief organizations, but do not enter damaged areas unless specifically asked to do so.
• If you suspect any damage to your home, shut off electrical power, natural gas and propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions.
• If you see frayed electrical wiring or sparks, or smell something burning, shut off your home’s electrical system at the main circuit breaker, if you have not done so already.

Safety During Cleanup

• Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves whenever you handle, walk around or near debris. Many of the injuries caused by tornadoes result from stepping on nails in and around damaged homes and buildings.
• Clean up any dangerous spills immediately, including medicines, bleaches, chemicals, gasoline or other flammable liquids.