Nashville Tornado Preparation 101

Severe weather can cause anxiety, no matter where you are. In Nashville, the wake of past tornadoes can cause fear for new residents and natives alike, but the best way to handle this is to be prepared.

While we hope tornadoes never hit your area, it’s best to create a plan now, rather than to wait for a tornado warning to arise. Here are a few tips to consider when thinking ahead:

1. Find a go-to source.

Make sure you have somewhere to go for reliable and real-time information about incoming weather. This could be an app, a TV station, or a meteorology website.

If you ask Nashville residents their favorite source, many will mention Nashville Severe Weather, best-known as @nashseverewx on Twitter. Run by weather hobbyists (not meteorologists, but their local credibility is strong), they track storms in Davidson and Williamson counties and won the National Weather Association’s Walter J. Bennett Public Service Award for their #tspotter (Thunderstorm spotter) hashtag.

While most of the real-time updates happen on Twitter, they also have a blog that includes thorough charts, predictions, and advice. We especially love their Taking Care of Storm Anxiety article that reminds us the importance of being prepared:

“When a storm pops up, it can trigger significant feeling unsafe. At a basic level, our brain knows that when a storm is near, it has to gear our body up for a fight. Because of this, we’ve got to take care of ourselves so we can handle the incoming storms.”

2. Know where to go.

When you move into a new home, it’s important to scope out where you’ll go during a tornado. The CDC recommends going to the lowest floor of your home and remaining in the basement or an interior room without windows. This could be your bathroom, closet, or a hallway.

They also recommend covering yourself with something sturdy, like a mattress or sleeping bag, getting under a heavy table or workbench.

Make sure to communicate your plan with everyone in your household, and think about how to protect any pets you may have.

3. Stock your home with essentials.

In another case of “Better safe than sorry,” being prepared also includes stocking your home with any essentials you may need during severe weather. In case of power outage, stock your home with flashlights, batteries, and a battery-operated radio to receive the latest weather reports.

You’ll probably also want an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food, water, medication, and any needed medical supplies, as well as any essentials for those in your household. You may also consider including comfort items, like a weighted blanket or favorite pillow to calm anxiety. This may also be a good time to decide a communications plan with loved ones outside your home in the event of a severe storm or tornado.

Call Nashville home

If you’re looking to move to Nashville and are wondering about tornadoes, we hope these resources help to put you at ease and give you more peace-of-mind about severe weather. Our realtors would be happy to answer any additional questions you have about their experience living in Nashville. Contact us here.