Tornado Preparedness Guide

Tornado Preparedness for Homeowners

We provide essential guidance for Arkansas homeowners on how to effectively prepare for tornado season with a comprehensive step-by-step approach.

Your Safety Matters

Our goal is to empower Arkansas residents with the knowledge and tools necessary to stay safe during tornado season through practical preparation strategies.

Tornado Preparedness Guide

Essential steps for Arkansas homeowners to effectively prepare for tornado season and ensure safety.

Tornado season in Arkansas typically peaks between March and May, but severe weather can strike at any time of year. As storms become more frequent and intense across the region, preparing your home and family in advance can make all the difference. Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to the Natural State, here’s a practical guide on how to prepare for tornado season and keep your loved ones safe.

1. Know the Signs of Severe Weather

Before a tornado touches down, there are often warning signs such as dark greenish skies, large hail, a loud roar (similar to a freight train), or a visible funnel cloud. Stay informed by monitoring:

• NOAA Weather Radio

• Local news stations

• Weather apps with emergency alerts

Sign up for Arkansas emergency alert notifications through your county’s system to receive real-time warnings and updates.

2. Create a Family Emergency Plan

Every family should have a tornado response plan that includes:

• A designated safe space (preferably a basement, storm shelter, or interior room on the lowest floor)

• A communication strategy in case family members are separated

• A written checklist of tasks and emergency contacts

Practice regular tornado drills, especially if you have young children, to ensure everyone knows what to do when the sirens sound.

3. Install a Storm Shelter

An Arkansas storm shelter is the safest place to be during a tornado. Whether above-ground or in-ground, these shelters are built to withstand extreme winds and flying debris. According to FEMA, a properly installed safe room provides “near-absolute protection” during EF4 and EF5 tornadoes.

If your home doesn’t have a storm shelter, now is the time to consider one—especially with the availability of local rebate programs and grants for Arkansas residents.

4. Build a Tornado Emergency Kit

Keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your storm shelter or safe room. Your kit should include:

• Battery-powered flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Bottled water (enough for 3 days)

• Non-perishable food

• Whistle to signal for help

• Cell phone charger or backup power bank

• Important documents in a waterproof container

• Medications and personal hygiene items

Make sure your kit is checked and restocked at the beginning of tornado season each year.

5. Secure Your Home and Yard

Flying debris causes the majority of tornado-related injuries. Minimize risk by:

• Bringing outdoor furniture and trash bins inside during storms

• Trimming trees and removing dead branches

• Anchoring mobile homes and sheds

• Reinforcing garage doors and windows, if possible

These small precautions can reduce property damage and help protect your home during high winds.

Final Thoughts

Tornado season in Arkansas isn’t something to fear—it’s something to be ready for. By taking steps now to prepare, you’ll be giving your family peace of mind when severe weather strikes. And remember, the most important part of tornado preparedness is having a safe place to shelter.

Ready to upgrade your safety plan? Learn more about how a professionally installed Arkansas storm shelter can protect your home and loved ones this storm season.

Contact Us for Tornado Preparedness

Reach out for guidance on tornado season preparedness in Arkansas.