Getting Your Home Ready for Missouri Tornado Season
Missouri sees severe storms and tornadoes most often from March through June, but they can happen any time of year, day or night. Planning ahead gives you precious minutes when it matters.
Know watch from warning
A tornado watch means conditions are right for tornadoes to form, so stay alert. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or shown on radar, so take shelter right away.
Get alerts more than one way
Outdoor sirens are meant to warn people outside and may not be heard indoors. Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a battery-powered NOAA weather radio at home.
Pick your safe place
Go to a basement or storm shelter if you have one. If not, choose a small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows, such as a closet, bathroom or hallway.
Pack a storm kit
- Water for each person for several days.
- A flashlight, spare batteries and a phone charger.
- A first aid kit and any daily medicines.
- Sturdy shoes, a whistle and helmets for the family.
After the storm
Stay away from downed power lines, wear shoes when walking through debris, and check on neighbors. If you smell gas, leave the building and call for help from outside.
