Tornado in South Carolina is as often as an average of 11 times yearly. So if you are living in this part of the country, then it is best to make yourself prepared for this natural disaster. Tornado in Myrtle Beach, SC is likely to happen thus you should know what to do before it hits your area.
#1 – Know When is the Tornado Season
Tornadoes may strike at any given time but some places get hit by them in specific months of the year. In South Carolina, the peak occurrence of tornadoes is usually from the months of March to May. But you should remember that it can still happen at unexpected times of the year.
#2 – Distinguish Tornado Alerts
It is best to always tune-in to weather forecasts. When the alert says it is a Tornado watch then it means that a tornado is most likely to happen nearby in the region. Therefore, you need to be prepared and come up with a plan of action. When it is said as Tornado Warning then then tornado has occurred and has been sighted. When this happens, you have to act on your tornado response plan and seek for the safest shelter.
#3 – Look for the Danger Signs
Tornadoes can happen in a blink of an eye. You may be surprised that no early warnings are issued at times. Therefore, it is best to look for danger signs in the sky every once in a while, especially during tornado season. A dark and greenish sky may mean that a tornado is possibly going to develop. Wall cloud indicates that the base of a thunderstorm is lowering and may prepare to rotate. Large hail may mean that a tornado might emerge. Seeing a cloud of debris means that the location of the tornado is in that area. Funnel cloud means that a tornado is developing. A roaring noise indicates the high winds of an approaching tornado.
#4 – Set Your Smart Phone to Receive Alerts
Every smartphone is designed to receive alert from authorized departments of the national, state or local government. Take note that some carriers may not have participated in this. If you have difficulty identifying this on your own, you can ask assistance from a family member, a friend or a trusted person from your retirement community to check if your smart phone has been set to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts.
#5 – Prepare a Tornado Safety Kit
Make sure it is one that you can easily carry when there’s a need to evacuate. Make sure to put ample amount of food and water in it. Do not forget to pack your prescribed medicines and first aid kit. A flashlight, a whistle, cash and extra set of clothes may also come in handy.
#6 – Have an evacuation plan
If you do not wish to leave home, then designate a place where you can go during a tornado. The basement is the safest place at home during this time. If you do not have a basement, you may ask a neighbor to let you in. It is also best to identify the nearest local emergency shelter.
When in a retirement community, someone will always be there to assist you during these times of trouble. Make sure you cooperate with the team when this happens.
