Wednesday February 2, 2011
Recently a severe storm system rolled across the area where I live. I nervously watched the approaching assault on the weather map and listened to the repeated tornado watch and warning bulletins being broadcast. Of course I happened to be home alone and bedtime was fast approaching. Why do tornadoes have such a nasty habit of threatening you at bedtime? Don't we all have a difficult enough time trying to get some sleep during normal time?
There is some but not a great deal of planning which can be done for tornadoes. I've got the basic survival plan down. In the event of a tornado, I know the safest place to run to and take shelter. I have blankets, flashlight, and extra water stashed there. I also made sure my cell phone was completely charged before going to bed.
I also did some Brenda planning (the important stuff you will never see on any official lists). Before retiring to bed during a tornado watch this is what you need to do.
1. Wear decent sleepwear. (In emergencies you often see people
you didn't plan on seeing-news crews, emergency workers, etc.)
2. Sleep in you best jewelery. (If you have to get up and run
the jewelery is packed for evacuation on your body.)
3. Place a pair of quick slip on, closed shoes by the bed.
(I stick my UGGS bedside.)
4. Get your best and largest purse and fill it with the most
critical items you would need. (Vital documents, medicine,
charged cell phone, remaining jewelery, photos, cash, etc.)
Place packed purse beside your shoes.
Once my Brenda planning was done I gathered my NOAA weather radio and went off to bed feeling as prepared as possible. Follow these few simple steps and you also might get some sleep during threatening weather.
Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com
