SHELTER IN PLACE ~ Tornado Preparation

Yesterday as I was heading to a listing appointment, the skies were an angry mix of black clouds that were swirling and whirling.  My phone was being pinged with weather warning updates.  As I made it to my listing appointment safely upon arrival I asked them if they had a plan for sheltering in place? For those of you who live in areas where you have basements or cellars, you already have a built-in safe place to go when the weather goes wompy.  Those of us who live in southern states where underground basements are not feasible due to flooding, we have to have a contingency plan in place when we are faced with severe weather situations.  Having a plan ahead of time of course is the best plan. Here are some tips for planning a Shelter in Place: Look for the most central place in the house that does not have windows.  A closet under the stairs, a bathroom, laundry room or even a hallway. Once you determine your safe shelter, place some bottled water in the area along with a small first aid kit, battery operated radio, hard line phone if available.  You never know when you might need these items. Let your family members know what to do in a severe weather event.  Better yet, do some practice runs with the kids. As tempting as it is, don't stand at a window with your phone to video a storm. If you have your phone, text your loved ones who aren't there with you to let them know that you have sheltered in place.  Just a good thing to do in case something really big does happen. We have seen some horrific storms these past few years and pray that we are all spared from future ones.  A good plan and a few preparations can save lives.  Take the time now to plan and prepare your Shelter in Place!       "Have you fully lived today?" Paula L. McDonald ~ REALTOR® Broker ~ The Woodlands, Texas 936-203-0279 Direct Selling The Woodlands real estate and surrounding areas! Paula@ChevauxGroup.com               Copyright 2015 Paula McDonald