Stay Weather Safe: How To Prepare For A Tornado In An Apartment In Indianapolis
If you live in the Midwest, you can expect dangerous weather every year. Chances are, your area will even experience a tornado warning at some point. While everyone knows how to shelter in a house when tornado sirens sound, the advice for apartment Residents is less clear. If you don’t have a basement to retreat to, here’s how to prepare for a tornado in an apartment in Indianapolis.
Tornado Warning? Where To Seek Shelter In Your Apartment Building
If the tornado alarms blare outside your Indianapolis apartment, where do you seek shelter? Not many apartments have basements. You might even reside on the top floor.
While not many tornadoes are strong enough to destroy a sturdy apartment building, smaller ones can still drive objects through glass, tear away roofs, or rip out trees. Be sure to find shelter during high winds or tornado warnings in one of these places:
- A below-grade level of your parking garage
- The ground floor of your apartment building, and far from windows
- A ground-floor neighbor’s apartment
- Interior stairwells or halls with no windows
- An interior room or closet of your apartment
- Under a solid table
- Within the bathtub with a thick blanket for protection
When you find a place to shelter, wear a bike helmet or cover your head with a large pillow.
Prepare In Advance For Severe Weather
The smartest way to prepare for a tornado in your apartment in Indianapolis is to monitor weather conditions and have a strategy ready. Your plan should include emergency supplies if you get stuck in your home or must depart quickly. Select a designated location to store your emergency preparedness kit and pack the following:
- Portable radio
- Flashlight
- Additional batteries
- Backup set of house and car keys
- Smartphone charger
- Cash
- Medical kit
- Photocopy of your license or identification card
- Non-perishable snacks
- Bottles of water
- Crucial medications
- Pet supplies
Check your supplies at six-month intervals to ensure they still work, and replace the water and snacks. When you hear a tornado warning, take appropriate clothing and shoes with you when taking cover.
Tornadoes can easily bring down electrical lines in your area. For blackouts, keep these items on hand:
- Shelf-stable food that you won’t have to cook
- Battery-powered lights
- A power bank for charging your phone
When you’re ready, you’ll endure any storm better and feel more peace of mind.
What To Avoid During A Tornado
Most people assume it will never happen to them. You can prevent injury or worse during a tornado by playing it smart. Take cover immediately and don’t
- Use an elevator during a tornado
- Track the storm by looking out the window
- Go outside
- Shelter under shelves, heavy decor, or tall furnishings
Make The Edge Your Home In All Types Of Weather!
We can’t prevent a storm, but we can give you an exceptional apartment living experience at The Edge Apartments! You’ll feel right at home in one of our distinctive apartments surrounded by modern amenities in a beautiful community. Call 463-345-4399 or book a tour to explore why we’re a preferred place to live in Indianapolis.