Use Today’s Tips, Tools and Technologies to Stay Safe

When severe weather comes knocking, don’t let it catch you rocking.

1. “Respect the polygon!” — as James Spann, Alabama’s favorite weatherman, puts it. Today’s technology makes it possible for meteorologists to pinpoint warnings to small areas rather than an entire county. Take it seriously.

2. Charge up. Every phone has Wireless Emergency Alerts built in to notify you when there are tornado warnings and flash flood alerts. The alarms are loud and obnoxious, perfect for waking you up when you’re asleep and the weather gets bad. Always charge all the devices you may want to use if electricity fails.

3. Get a weather radio. OK, so this one is for grandma, but everyone should have one in their home. Cell networks can go down, so you might not hear the warning on your phone, and tornado sirens are meant to alert people outdoors as a last-ditch effort to get them indoors. A weather radio is a more reliable notification system and gives your home a vintage touch.

4. Prepare your hidey-hole. First, figure out where you’re going to go. Maybe you have a storm shelter or basement or sturdy interior room with no windows. You are not safe in a mobile home. If a tornado hits, it will go flying. Think about somewhere secure to go nearby, like a convenience store or friend’s home.

5. Suit up. A mini air horn can alert first responders to your location, and shoes will protect your feet from debris after a storm. Most importantly, wear a helmet. It may seem silly, but that accessory could save you from a lethal blunt-force trauma to your head. Being well-equipped could help you survive when the worst happens.