Severe Storm Tips You Need To Know If You Live in an Apartment

When living in an area that experiences extreme weather, it is essential to be prepared and know how to keep yourself and your family safe. This is especially important if you live in an apartment because it most likely won’t have a shelter or other safety features that are found in single family homes.  Hurricanes and tornadoes are dangerous weather events that can cause significant damage—use the following tips to stay safe if you encounter extreme weather while living in an apartment:

Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

One of the best things you can do to prepare for a hurricane or tornado is keep emergency supplies on hand in your home. Make sure you have flashlights, extra batteries, a portable battery operated radio, water (3 gallons per person), a first aid kit and medication, canned, non-perishable or dehydrated food and a manual can opener, a car charger for your cell phone, and a bag containing protective clothing and sleeping linens.

Stay Alert

When a hurricane is predicted to affect the area where you live, pay attention to the news and weather apps so you know when you can expect extreme weather. Tornadoes are not as easy to predict and track as hurricanes, but if atmospheric conditions become favorable for tornadoes alerts and warnings will be issued. You won’t be able to stay safe if you don’t know what is going on with the weather!

Know How to Stay Safe in Your Apartment

Where is the safest place to be during a hurricane? If the storm is extremely powerful, it is probably in your best interest to evacuate and travel inland or go to a designated hurricane shelter. If there are no evacuation orders, you can ride out the storm in your apartment. In order to stay safe, you will need to secure your windows with thick masking tape or boards to prevent them from shattering due to high winds and flying debris. During the storm, the safest place to be is in a central room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.

In the event that a hurricane causes an outbreak of tornadoes, you need to know how to stay safe during a tornado in an apartment. Stay in a central room without windows, and lie down on the ground. Use pillows, blankets, and even your mattress to cover yourself so you are not injured by falling debris.

Hurricanes and tornadoes can be very scary and stressful events, but knowing what to do can go a long way in ensuring your safety. Don’t wait—get prepared now so you have a plan in the event of severe weather.