BRACING FOR TORNADO SEASON:
Newswise — After the recent devastation in Greensburg, Kan., it's more important than ever to prepare ourselves for a twister, no matter where we live in the United States, says Mike Thomas, MPH, associate director of the Heartland Centers at Saint Louis University School of Public Health. "While fewer than 2 percent of all tornadoes are strong enough to destroy a sturdy building, we have to develop a family disaster plan," he says. That includes stocking up on nonperishable food, water and supplies for about three weeks and deciding on a "safe place," which should be underground or as low to the ground level as possible. Stay away from windows and make sure to have a battery-operated radio handy to check on weather updates. Lastly, check to make sure your homeowner's insurance covers wind damage. Fortunately, unlike flood insurance, tornado insurance is relatively clear-cut, Thomas says.
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