Home Selling Team
Sue Esposito, Home Selling TeamPhone: (860) 428-3201
Email: [email protected]

Tornado Safety at Home and Elsewhere

by Sue Esposito 09/06/2023

Preparing for a disaster at home is key to staying safe in the event of an emergency. However, every home is different, and the likelihood of you being away from home when a disaster occurs means you should prepare for as many possible situations as you can. For tornado safety, the guidelines can vary depending on where you are at the time of a storm. Here are some safety tips to help you in any situation:

If You're in a House

The safest place to be in a house is on the lowest floor and away from windows. Choose a room on the interior of the home's layout so that you have as many walls between you and the outside as possible. If your house has a basement, sheltering there is your best option, though small windowless bathrooms and closets can also work well.

If You're in an Apartment

If you live in an apartment, it can be a bit trickier to follow the general guidelines regarding basements and windows. Apartments on upper floors are at greater risk than those below, so if you can find a place to shelter on the ground floor, either with a neighbor or in a common area, you should consider it. If these options aren't available to you, choose an interior room like a bathroom.

If You're in an Office or Mall

If you're in a multi-story commercial or office building during a storm, it's not always easy to get to the ground floor in a hurry. However, finding an interior room without windows is still a good option for safety. Supply closets, conference rooms and bathrooms are worth considering, but beware falling objects from shelves or cabinets. Otherwise, a stairwell is a structurally sound place to be during a tornado, ideally as close to the ground as possible.

If You're in a Car

If you're driving when a tornado touches down, don't try to drive away from it. Instead, park and find shelter inside a building as quickly as possible. Avoid driving underneath bridges or overpasses, as they can be extremely dangerous in strong winds.

It might seem like a lot to remember, but the more of these tips you know, the safer you'll be in any disaster.

About the Author
Author

Sue Esposito

There are many qualities and skills that go into being an excellent real estate professional - integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills and a high-quality professional network, all of which are hallmarks of how I work.

  • Full Time Real Estate Professional with an excellent work ethic
  • 32 years of real estate experience working with a diverse client base of both buyers and sellers
  • Certified Real Estate Negotiation Expert
  • Passionate about the Real Estate profession and advancing education and skills
  • Proficient with technological advances in marketing strategies
  • Employs a Full Time Licensed Real Estate Listing and Transaction Manager
  • My Designations include Broker, ABR, CNE, CRS, GRI, MRP, SFR, and SRS. 
  • Licensed in CT