Beyond the Rain: The Importance of Tornado Preparedness

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Photo © Molly Sabourin, Creative Commons via Flickr
“Someplace where there isn’t any trouble … do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It’s not a place you can get to by a boat or train. It’s far, far away. Behind the moon. Beyond the rain.”
– The Wizard of Oz

 

Once upon a time, I was a little second-grade girl crouching in a hallway at Harshman Elementary School. I sat cross-legged with my head between my knees, my own tiny arms covering my neck in a protective embrace. It wasn’t a drill. There was a tornado spotted nearby, and we were told to stay in this position for half an hour.

Some of the boys told dirty jokes. Some of my friends cried. I got sick. Really. I fainted. Something to do with my blood sugar. I was lucky, though. My Mom taught second grade in the same hallway. My Grandma Jean was the school librarian. I remember thinking that if we died, at least we would be together. Then I worried what my Daddy, Grandpa Joe, and cat Spooky would do without us.

Now I wonder whether the innocent children of Moore, Oklahoma had the same thoughts Monday afternoon. I wonder how much warning their school had. I wonder what went through the minds of teachers as each kept a hawk-like eye on her line of little people, huddled and scared.

As our hearts hurt for Oklahoma, many of us are asking, “What can we do?” It turns out beyond a donation to the Salvation Army (which would surely be appreciated), preparedness is the best way to show support in the wake of a natural disaster.

Tornado season is far from over, and we often think remembering what to do in a storm is just like riding a bike. Don’t just think. Know.

Tips for Tornado Survival

1) Carefully review the readiness tips offered by FEMA.

2) If you live in a tornado-prone area, keep an eye on Dr. Forbes’ TOR:CON predictions for the days ahead. Repeat Step One.

3) Many of us have internet-ready phones capable of pulling up radar. Use one of the free apps designed to keep you aware when out and about. I especially like WeatherBug for its lightning indicator. Repeat Step One.

4) Don’t assume you can rely on the radio when driving, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area and don’t know which station to seek for local weather reports. Don’t ask me how I know this. It wasn’t fun. Repeat Step One.

5) If, like me, you live anywhere near Dayton, follow Chief Meteorologist Jamie Simpson and Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek on Facebook. The WHIO weather team can’t predict everything, but their efforts are extraordinary, and they often provide better education than the Weather Channel. We’re lucky to have them here.

I’m always amazed at how blasé my friends and neighbors act during severe weather. At best, they beg to get one more inning completed before the real nastiness hits. At worst, they post snarky comments like, “It’s just a thunderstorm. Get a grip.” Then these monster storm systems arrive, and we’re all reminded Mother Nature can and will target our neighborhoods even if we don’t live in Kansas.

It’s important to understand that on Monday afternoon, the Oklahoma City area went from clear skies to an F-5 tornado in the course of one quick hour. Just because the horizon looks decent now doesn’t mean it will in a few minutes. Ask Joplin. Ask Tuscaloosa. Ask Moore. Closer to home, ask Xenia.

I very rarely use photos other than my own in articles. However, as I stumbled upon this detailed image of ruby slippers on a cracked sidewalk, my soul ached. My thoughts returned to the children of Moore, Oklahoma’s elementary schools. Let’s honor their fear, their horror, their nightmare by making tornado preparedness a fresh lesson for our own families.

Be safe, please.

Photo © Molly Sabourin, Creative Commons via Flickr