SERVPRO® Provides Storm Cleanup in Crossville, TN

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is always on standby to clean up storm damage in Crossville.

With Tornado season in full swing, it is important to make sure everyone in your home or business knows how to keep safe. These storms can cause a lot of damage to structures and people.

1. Pay Attention to Warnings

The first and foremost tornado safety tip is to stay alert when bad weather moves through your area. That includes tuning in to weather reports, knowing when there is a tornado watch, and immediately taking shelter when a tornado warning is in effect.

2. Move to the Basement Quickly

There is no space that is 100 percent safe during a tornado, rooms below ground like a basement offer you the most protection. If you don’t have a basement, your best bet is a room on the lowest floor of your home, preferably an interior one that doesn’t have windows like a bathroom, closet, or center hallway. You should also avoid sheltering where there are heavy objects like appliances on the floor above you.

Getting to the lowest floor is also the best bet if you’re in a high rise. However, the average lead time for a tornado warning is only about nine minutes, so that may not be possible. Your next option is to find the safest room in your apartment. Again, this could be a bathroom, central hallway, or interior closet.

3. Crouch Low to the Ground

When you find a suitable spot to shelter, lay face down on the ground and cover your head with your hands to protect yourself from flying debris. You might also want to get under heavy blankets and pillows. Even winter coats can act as a cushion if anything falls on you, plus they may keep you warm once the storm is over. Avoid lying next to objects that are heavy or unsecured that might fall on you.

4. Get Under Something Sturdy

You need to be prepared for the building to collapse. You don’t want to be next to heavy objects that might fall on you. Being under something sturdy like a heavy table, workbench, or desk is the preferred option. This can create a pocket of safety for you if the entire room collapses.

5. Monitor Storm Alerts

There are several ways to get updates on whether tornadoes continue to pose a danger in your area. Your local news will post updates, as will the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) via its network of radio stations. You may also be able to sign up for community alerts on your mobile phone if available in your area. Try to have one of these handy so you know when it is safe to go back outside.

6. Do Not Stay in a Mobile Home

Mobile homes are particularly susceptible to damage in a tornado. Many mobile home communities have storm shelters for their residents. If yours doesn’t, or if you live on private land, then you may need to find other shelter, preferably a building with a foundation. You’ll need to act fast if a tornado is approaching, so be sure to have multiple safe-place options ready to go to.

7. Go Inside

You are much more susceptible to being swept up by tornado winds if you are outside, so you want to find a building to shelter in. If possible, choose a building that has a basement where you will be safer from a chance of collapse and debris.

If there isn’t preferable shelter, or there isn’t enough time to get to it, then go to the lowest ground you can find and lay flat with your hands over your head. Try to stay away from cars or trees.

8. Don’t Try to Outdrive the Tornado

As a general rule, you don’t want to try to outrun a tornado, but some situations may require you to get in your car to drive to a safer location. When that happens, take the most direct route to shelter.

If you’re caught in your car during a tornado, do not get out. Stay in it with your head below the windows and your seatbelt on. Only leave your car if you can safely get to ground that is clearly lower than your car. If you can safely make it to lower ground, lay face down and cover your head.

9. Avoid Overpasses if Possible

You may think that an overpass is a safe structure for sheltering, but it can actually put you in greater danger during a tornado. The shape creates a tunneling effect that can increase wind speeds, so do not shelter below overpasses or bridges.

10. Prepare an Emergency Disaster Kit

Being prepared for a tornado includes thinking about what you might need after one has touched down. You need to plan as if it may be days before assistance arrives, so you want to build a disaster kit that has important supplies, such as:

• Bottled water.
• Nonperishable food.
• A NOAA radio.
• Bandages, gauze, and other first aid supplies.
• Cell phone charger.
• Prescription medications.
• Copies of your identification.

Put these and other must-have items in a bag and keep it in the area you’ve designated for shelter.

Sometimes weather events provide enough warning to prepare for the potential impact, tornadoes can hit within minutes. Having a disaster preparedness plan in place can make a huge difference for the safety of you and your family.

Cleaning Up After the Storm

The immediate aftermath of a tornado can come with confusion, anxiety, and sadness. SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties is here to help. Our crew is trained in storm cleanup. We will take care of the damage so you can focus on yourself and your family.

If you would like more information on hiring a team experienced in Storm Cleaning Call SERVPRO® of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties at 931-250-5333.