Responding to a Tornado Warning the Right Way | SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

Tornado damage is no match for the restoration and repair team at SERVPRO Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale!

It always seems like we just finished up one tornado season, only to have to start preparing for another before we know it. While it is possible to experience a tornado at any point in the year in our community, it is much more common for them to touch down any time from March to November. 

Preparing ahead of the stormy season is one of the best ways to prevent serious damage and to stay safe when the conditions are right for a twister. 

Tornadoes, Explained

Tornadoes are one of the most destructive weather phenomena that we experience in the Oxford area. They are huge columns of rotating air that extend from the clouds to the ground and they can move at frightening speeds. A typical tornado can produce wind speeds of 250 miles per hour or more. 

If you have ever been in the path of a tornado, you know that the atmosphere starts to change and the weather starts to become concerning. The sky can turn dark or even take on a greenish hue, low-lying clouds can start to rotate and a loud roaring noise similar to a freight train can indicate that a tornado is not far off. If you start to notice these changes or a tornado warning is issued, it’s time to seek shelter immediately. 

Staying Safe During a Tornado 

If you live in a mobile home, it is imperative that you leave your home quickly and head to the predetermined safe shelter area for your community. Mobile homes do not offer much, if any, protection when a tornado comes to town. If you live in a stable structure, head to your sheltering location immediately. Your ultimate goal is to get away from windows and to put as much space between you and the outside world as possible. 

Once you are there, find a sturdy table or desk that you can crouch under. If your home is in the direct path of a tornado, there isn’t much you can do other than find ways to avoid getting hit with projectiles. Cover your head with your arms and stay covered until the tornado has passed on.

In some rarer situations, you may find yourself outside with no way of seeking safety when a tornado hits. If this happens to you, lie flat in a low-lying area and cover your head. Try to find a spot that is far away from trees, cars or other heavy objects as they can easily be picked up and thrown around.

Recovering Afterward
We have all seen coverage of tornado damage after a storm or have lived through it ourselves, so we know just how destructive tornadoes can be. If your home has been damaged in any way by the wind, rain and hail that severe weather can bring, call SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale immediately. Our team will respond right away to your call for help and we will get started on your recovery quickly. 

Depending on how severe your damage is, you might be looking at temporary alternative housing, which is why we prioritize working quickly and efficiently throughout the entire process. It is our goal to minimize disruption as much as possible so you can make a full recovery faster. 

Don’t wait to address tornado damage. Call SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale right away.