Dealing With Storm Anxiety: NWS Meteorologists’ Tips To Help You With Tornado Fears
🌪️😰 Tornado anxiety got you down? Check out these expert tips from NWS meteorologists to help you weather the storm! 🌈 #TornadoPrep #StormSafety #MidwestStrong
Winona, MN – As we enter tornado season in the Midwest, many of us can’t help but feel a twinge of anxiety. The sound of howling winds, the sight of dark clouds looming on the horizon, and the constant buzz of weather alerts on our phones can leave us feeling on edge. But fear not, dear readers! We’ve got some sage advice from National Weather Service meteorologists to help you navigate these stormy times with a little more peace of mind.
🏠 No Shelter? No Problem!
If you don’t have a storm shelter, don’t panic. Many communities in our area have public shelters available. Give your local emergency manager or fire department a call to find out if there’s one near you. And if you live in a sturdy home, chances are there’s a safe spot right under your roof. Look for a small, interior room or closet on the lowest floor, away from windows and outside walls. Avoid mobile homes at all costs – they’re just not built to withstand a tornado’s fury.
🏢 Apartment Dwellers and Renters, Listen Up!
If you’re renting or living in an apartment, have a chat with your building manager. They should be able to tell you if there’s a designated shelter on the property or nearby. Mobile home park residents, this goes for you too – check if there’s a community shelter you can access. And don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or co-workers in the area. They might just have a safe haven you can hunker down in when the storms roll through.
⏰ Timing is Everything
Let’s face it, no one wants to be caught out on the road when a tornado strikes. That’s why it’s crucial to stay informed about the timing of potential storms. Keep an eye on forecasts from trusted weather sources, and plan your day accordingly. If you know storms are expected in the afternoon, consider heading home early from work or postponing that evening errand. A little proactive planning can go a long way in keeping you out of harm’s way.
🐾 Don’t Forget Your Furry Friends!
For those of us with pets, the thought of not being able to get them to safety in time can be downright terrifying. The key is to be prepared. Put together a pet “go-bag” well in advance, packed with essentials like food, water, medications, a leash, and a carrier. Practice your shelter routine with your pets on a clear day, so you know exactly how long it takes and can identify any potential snags. And remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If a storm is brewing nearby, don’t hesitate to head to your shelter, even if it means going a bit earlier than you think you need to.
😊 Stay Calm and Carry On!
While the thought of a violent tornado can be spine-chilling, it’s important to keep things in perspective. EF4 and EF5 tornadoes are incredibly rare – less than 2% of all tornadoes in Oklahoma reach that level of intensity. And even if you do find yourself in the path of one of these monster storms, it doesn’t necessarily spell certain doom. Take the May 20, 2013 tornado that tore through Newcastle, Oklahoma City, and Moore – out of over 4,200 structures hit, only nine suffered EF5-level damage.
The bottom line? Every tornado deserves respect, but don’t let fear consume you. If a warning is issued, take shelter immediately. An underground storm shelter or engineered safe room is ideal, but if you don’t have access to one, head to the most interior room of a sturdy building. Pile on the pillows, couch cushions, and blankets, and don’t forget to protect your head with a helmet if you have one handy.
🌈 Keep Calm and Tornado On!
Phew, that was a whirlwind of information! But don’t worry, we’re not leaving you hanging. Stay tuned for the next installment in our series, where we’ll dive even deeper into the world of tornado preparedness. Until then, keep those chins up, bookmark our weather news page (we get info direct from NWS), and remember – you’ve got this! 💪
🗣 Do you worry about the weather? Suffer from storm anxiety? You are NOT alone! We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
