Severe Weather Safety: How To Prepare For A Tornado In An Apartment In Indianapolis
Residing in the Midwest, you can anticipate severe storms each year. Odds are, your locale will even face a tornado warning at some point. While most people know how to find safety in a house when tornado sirens go off, the recommendations for those in apartments is not as straightforward. When you don’t have a cellar to go to, here’s how to prepare for a tornado in an apartment in Indianapolis.
Tornado Warning? Where To Shelter In Your Apartment Building
When the tornado sirens sound outside your Indianapolis apartment, where should you go? Few apartments have below-ground levels. You might even reside on the top floor.
While not many tornadoes are strong enough to level a large apartment building, smaller tornadoes can still topple trees, take off roofs, or drive debris through windows. Always take cover during tornado warnings or severe winds in one of these spots:
- The sub-level of an underground parking garage
- The lowest floor of your apartment building, and not close to windows
- A neighbor’s ground-floor apartment
- Interior halls or stairwells with no windows
- An interior room or closet of your apartment
- Under a solid table
- Within the bathtub with a heavy blanket for protection
When you hunker down, wear a bike helmet or cover your head with a large pillow for additional protection.
Prepare Ahead Of Time For Severe Weather
The best way to prepare for a tornado in your apartment in Indianapolis is to keep up with weather alerts and plan ahead. Your plan ought to include some emergency supplies if you get stuck in your home or must depart quickly. Choose a designated location to keep your emergency kit and pack these supplies:
- Portable radio
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Extra set of car and apartment keys
- Mobile phone charger
- Money
- First aid kit
- Photocopy of your license or identification card
- Shelf-stable snacks
- Bottles of water
- Essential medications
- Pet essentials
Examine these items at six-month intervals to ensure they still function, and replenish the water and snacks. When you hear a tornado warning, take appropriate clothing and shoes with you when taking cover.
Strong winds can easily bring down utility lines in your area. For blackouts, keep these essentials ready:
- Shelf-stable food that doesn’t need to be cooked
- Battery-powered lights
- A power bank for powering your smartphone
When you’re ready, you’ll endure any storm better and feel more confident.
What To Avoid During A Tornado
Everybody thinks it will never happen to them. You can avoid injuries or worse during severe weather by avoiding certain situations. Take shelter right away and don’t
- Ride an elevator during heavy winds
- Track the storm by looking out the window
- Stand outdoors
- Take cover under shelves, heavy well decor, or tall furniture
Make Penrose on Mass Your Home Whatever The Weather!
We can’t prevent a storm, but we can provide an outstanding apartment lifestyle at Penrose on Mass Apartments! You’ll feel right at home in one of our roomy apartments complemented by stunning amenities in a beautiful community. Dial 317-661-4399 or arrange a tour to discover why we’re a preferred place to live in Indianapolis.