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Thunder is nature’s warning call.  If you have ever seen the sign, “When thunder roars, go indoors!”  then you know it is true.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) believe in not taking chances when it comes to lightning.One of the best ways to protect yourself from lightning…

Tornado weather is unpredictable and chaotic.  Especially since tornadoes can wreak havoc on large and small communities alike, from large businesses to small families.  Science has yet to find a way to give advanced notice of impending tornadoes.  Even hurricanes have a few day’s lead time, so those being impacted can make the decision to…

Residential storm shelters have come a long way in the last several years.  These days, if someone is talking about their storm shelter, often, they are referring to an above ground structure that is located inside the garage or home for easy access. That’s not to say that the below ground shelters are becoming obsolete.…

We get this question all the time—what are the pros and cons of each?  Let’s take a look:Below Ground Shelters:    Pros:You are underground, so the chances of a tornado getting to you are nearly impossible.It doesn’t take up any of your “living space”Cons: Rain might seep in while you are hiding inside.Not ADA compliantBugs and other…

FEMA, also known as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is a government agency that assists communities in times of floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural or human-caused disasters. Counties in each US state have, or should have, an Emergency Management Agency that assists residents when states of natural disaster are declared. They help obtain funding…

Many natural and unexpected disasters occur every single day.  It is the ‘not knowing’ if people in your circle are alive and okay that can cause even more trauma to those who are left to wonder until contact has been made.  Thankfully in today’s world of excessive communication through social media outlets and new and…

There are several great organizations that assist those in need after man-made and natural disaster occur.  Knowing who to call is key.  Red Cross is one of the top volunteer organizations who begin organizing and developing teams to go into devastated areas and begin with clean-up, helping those in need of medical assistance or who…

To ditch or not to ditch, THAT is the question. Have you ever wondered what you would do if you were driving down the road and spotted a tornado heading your way? Our nature might direct us towards the nearest underpass and hide there until it is over. Surely an underpass is strong enough to…

Once a tornado has swept through, causing damage in your area, there are hazards that you need to be aware of so that you and others around you will stay safe.  Sometimes people get so caught up in the damages, or are ecstatic for still being alive, they don’t stop to think about other dangers…

It is difficult to predict tornadoes.  They seem to have a mind of their own.  Even meteorologists can only look at dangerous weather patterns and be on the lookout for them.  It isn’t until a tornado is spotted, either by an observer or via radio satellite, that we are even aware one is around.  This…

If you are a weather watcher, it might be beneficial for you to own a weather radio.  A weather radio is designed to pick-up weather forecasts from public broadcasting services called ‘weather radio’.  This kind of weather information has been available since the 1950’s and is a way for people across the nation to receive…

Insurance, much like a tornado shelter, is something everyone wants when they need it.  Tornado winds can cause damage to your home, your car, and even take the lives of those you love.Know and understand what your insurance covers in the event of a tornado.Policies typically cover certain threats such as hail and wind, often direct…

Even though tornadoes are chaotic and unpredictable, they tend to have their peak season when the weather is changing.  When cold air mixes with warm air, conditions are more favorable for supercell storms which can spawn tornadoes.  It is this instability in the atmosphere which wreaks havoc throughout tornado alley.  The breakdown in atmosphere can…

Many people ask, “What can we do to prepare for tornado season?”  Besides having a safety plan in place, there are other things you can do to prepare for the worst. Create an emergency kit geared towards the needs of you and your family. Use a sealable plastic container to hold items such as bottled waters,…

2017 kicked off the year so far with a scary record number of tornadoes.  According to the NOAA National Weather Service, there were 138 recorded tornadoes in January 2017 and only 18 for the month of January 2016.  There have also been 20 deaths so far, this year.  Typically, tornado season begins March and carries…

A tornado is a scary, unpredictable event! In March of 1925, a deadly twister tore through three states—Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana—giving it the name “The Tri-State Tornado.” One of the deadliest of its kind, this mile-wide tornado killed 695 people, as it traveled 219 miles at 70 miles per hour over a period of 3…

A pendulum is something that tends to move from one position, condition, etc., to the opposite extreme and then back again. In the case of the weather in October, the temperature pendulum causes people in many states to pull out sweaters, blankets, and boots. People begin dressing in layered clothing before heading out to work,…

Worry.  It’s something many of us do on a daily basis.  And we fret over a variety of reasons—our children, our finances, our jobs, the weather—the list is overwhelming and oftentimes endless.Worry steals our joy, our peace, and our time.So how can we stop the awful trend of worrying?  Some people turn to spirituality, some…

Fact: Bad things happen.Fact: Bad things happen to good people.For example, on this day in history, in 1963, four young African-American girls were killed in a Baptist church bombing during a Sunday Service.  In 2001, President George W Bush identified Osama Bin Laden as the prime suspect in the 9/11 attacks against the US.  America…

As humans, we have an innate desire of being protected from natural and/or man-made disasters.  Our first instinct is to circle our wagons and protect our families and our loved ones.  Pet owners always include their furry family members in this circle of protection.  And why not?  Just like our children and other dependents, our pets rely…

Reaching out to others.  That’s the hope.  And yet, we also feel the need for protection.  Of ourselves.  Of our circle—family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and so on.  So how does that work?  Well, for starters, we need to understand what we need protection from, and for whom?  Do we want/need protection from tornadoes?  Or from…

Summer of 2016 is drawing to a close.  Schools have started back all across the nation.  Now is the time we begin to refocus our efforts on the best way to protect our most important asset as a nation:  Our children.  They are our future, and we are their heritage.  What have we left them? …

If you have yet to purchase your very own above ground safe room, there is no better time than now.  Peak season for tornadoes is typically in the spring, and then a second season rolls through in the fall months.  Since the spring season was unusually quiet this year, rumor has it that we might…

Are you in the market for affordable underground bunkers?  Most people see dollar signs when they think of purchasing secret underground bunkers.  And certainly, the cost can get quite extensive.  However, Survive-a-Storm Shelters understands the need for providing fallout shelters for most anyone.  Why should only the 1%, those with expendable income, be able to…