Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in nashville, TN

Tornado Safety for the Whole Family

by Shauna Reynolds

April 14, 2009

It's April, which means we're right in the middle of peak tornado season here in Nashville. The past few weeks have been teeming with severe weather warnings in Davidson and surrounding counties. Do you know how to keep your family safe if there is a tornado or severe storm in your area? Here are some tornado safety tips for parents of preschoolers.

1. Know your safe place. Have a "safe place" to round up the family in case of a tornado. A windowless interior first floor room is best -- in many homes this is a bathroom or walk-in closet. Keep your safe place clean -- hopefully you won't have to use it, but if you do you'll want it to be as pleasant as possible.

2. Have emergency supplies ready. At a bare minimum, keep a box stocked with a flashlight, a radio, and batteries. Since you'll be sharing your safe space with kiddos, a notebook and package of crayons are a great non-traditional addition to your emergency kit.

3. Bring your child's blanket, teddy bear, or other special toy. If your child sleeps with a blankie or special stuffed animal, invite it along to your safe place. If the thunder gets loud or the power goes out, it will go a long way toward comforting your child.

4. Don't panic. If you want the kids to stay calm, you'll have to do the same. You've prepared and you're staying safe -- the rest is out of your hands. 

5. Practice. I'm not suggesting weekly tornado drills -- just an annual review and rehearsal of your family's safety plan. That way if and when you have to head to that safe place, the young ones will know what to expect.

Tornadoes and severe weather can be scary, but you have the power to keep your family as safe as possible.