Weather Safety: How To Prepare For A Tornado In An Apartment In Indianapolis
Living in the Midwest, you can anticipate extreme weather each year. Chances are, your region will even face a tornado warning at certain times. While everyone knows how to shelter in a house during a tornado, the guidance for those in apartments is not as clear. If you don’t have a lower level to retreat to, here’s how to prepare for a tornado in an apartment in Indianapolis.
Tornado Sirens? Where To Take Shelter In Your Apartment Building
When the tornado alarms go off outside your Indianapolis apartment, where can you take shelter? Not many apartments have basements. You might not even reside on the ground floor.
While a small number of tornadoes are intense enough to destroy a sturdy apartment building, smaller tornadoes can still propel objects through windows, remove roofs, or topple trees. Be sure to find shelter during severe winds or tornado warnings in one of these spots:
- A below-grade level of your parking garage
- The ground floor of your apartment building, and away from windows
- A ground-floor neighbor’s apartment
- Interior stairwells or halls without windows
- An interior room or closet of your apartment
- Below a heavy table
- In the bathtub with a thick blanket as protection
When you find a place to shelter, put on a bike helmet or cover your head with a large pillow for extra protection.
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 plan ahead. Your plan needs to incorporate some critical supplies if you get stuck in your home or have to leave quickly. Select a designated place to stow your disaster kit and include these items:
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlight
- Additional batteries
- Extra set of house and car keys
- Cell phone charger
- Money
- Emergency medical kit
- Photocopy of your ID
- Non-perishable snacks
- Sealed water
- Crucial medications
- Pet essentials
Check your supplies twice a year to make sure they still function, and replace the food and water. When a tornado warning is issued, take appropriate clothing and shoes with you when taking cover.
Strong winds can easily damage electrical lines in your community. For blackouts, keep these supplies on hand:
- Non-perishable food that doesn’t have to be cooked
- Battery-operated lights
- A power bank for powering your phone
When you’re fully prepped, you’ll weather any emergency better and feel more peace of mind.
What Not To Do During A Tornado
Everyone thinks it will never happen to them. You can avoid injuries or worse during severe weather by avoiding certain situations. Take cover as soon as possible and don’t
- Get on an elevator during a tornado
- Track the storm by looking out the window
- Venture outdoors
- Take cover under shelves, heavy well decor, or tall furniture
Make The Waverley Your Home Regardless Of The Weather!
We can’t prevent a storm, but we can give you an outstanding apartment living experience at The Waverley Apartments! You’ll feel right at home in one of our distinctive apartments surrounded by stunning amenities in a well-maintained community. Dial 317-800-7017 or schedule a tour to explore why we’re a sought-after place to come home to in Indianapolis.