Just got the basement ready (storm warnings)

[xmas74]

Warnings are popping up to the west of me right now. Supposedly there is some nice hail and some rotation has been spotted at the tail of the storm.

Sounds like it's going to be a rather long night!

[electron_blue]

1. hang on tight! & what do you do to get the basement ready?

[xmas74]

3. If you live in any kind of tornado alley

you pack a kit for tornado warnings. The kit usually includes a hand crank wx radio, some bottled water, snacks for yourself and the kids, flashlights with working batteries (I also have a hand crank lantern), some coloring books, cards and books to read.

My basement is very old (the house is over 100 years old) so we check the windows and make sure they are sturdy. We check the lock on the door (old fashioned outdoor entrance). We have cots and lawn chairs in the basement with some sleeping bags.

I also bring down food dishes, food and water for our pets. I put their leashes and carriers next to the back door, along with our shoes and jackets.

Does that answer your question?

[electron_blue]

16. Yes, I actually know about tornadoes and have hidden in the basement from many a one

I was wondering what you put down there, in particular. I keep a blanket, water, crank radio and flashlight. I don't bother with snacks or games, but probably should. The cots/chairs idea also sounds like a good idea. I also store the cats' carriers in the basement next to the stairs. One year we had no warning to speak of. It got dark almost immediately, and a storm came out of nowhere, then we lost power, all in under a minute. It was 10am in the morning and it was so dark I had to feel my way to the kitchen drawer with the flashlights. I grabbed one cat and couldn't find the other, so just went down to the basement with the one cat. The sirens went off as we were headed toward the basement. 10 mins later the other one came down as if to say "wth are you guys doing?". I nabbed her and put her in the 2nd carrier.

You sound more prepared than we are. I should store extra food, leashes, jackets and shoes especially. Thanks for sharing your tips!

[xmas74]

17. Usually it's people who don't experience very many who

don't understand what they need.

Other things needed are a corded phone (we have one down there at all times and plug it in only during storms. Cells often go out during tornadoes and a cordless signal can be interrupted by the sirens.) Also-you should always have a first aid kit.

Today is the first of May. By this time I also have a spare set of old sweats for each family member stored in the basement for the season.

Just get a case of water, some cheap used bowls for food, a small box of food for the pets, some crackers/raisins/etc in individual packs (for storage reasons) and keep them down there from the first day of spring until the first day of winter. (Wish I were kidding!)

I keep one flashlight next to the back door so I always know where it is. And the cards make the time go faster.

[Guava Jelly]

2. My poor truck.

The big Mo is in for a rainy night.

[xmas74]

4. Rotation in Bonner Springs

as we speak.

It's time for tequila and Katie. She loves her weather reports!

[Guava Jelly]

5. Katie Horndog we call her here.

She is actually pretty fun to watch.
Do you have your Football helmet on yet? :rofl:

[xmas74]

6. Not yet

but I've pulled my bottle of vodka out of my freezer.

Rotation over Plattsburg, I think I just heard.

[Guava Jelly]

7. Oh fuck !!!

She is pimpen it now..A tornado has touched ground.
getch yer helmits on

[xmas74]

11. A couple have touched down.

Bitch done interrupted Survivor for this crap.

At least she promised that they are taping it.

New warning: JOCO, KS until 8:15. Tornado-wall cloud spotted, lowered and rotated.

[KatyaR]

8. We're having them here in OKC also,

but they're actually east-northeast of here. However, the sirens have still gone off twice. I don't think we're going to have any storms right here, but I have the TV on just in case.

Stay safe!

[xmas74]

12. You stay safe too!

OK is in my thoughts. My brother and his family live in Tulsa.

[NMDemDist2]

9. stay safe!! we're supposed to get 70mph gusts tonight

but no storms with it

:scared:

[xmas74]

13. We're supposed to get our butts kicked.

My town just finished replacing some of the glass/plexiglass fast food signs a couple of weeks ago. They were blown out because of strong winds.

Let's see if there are more signs on the ground in the morning.

[bigwillq]

10. Be safe.

:hug:

[xmas74]

14. We;ll be ok.

There have been touchdowns to the west of us.

[Inchworm]

15. Good luck!

I hope nothing comes near you. Glad you are prepared.

Be careful.

:hi:

[xmas74]

18. Radar shows it will be right over top of us.

And I tend to be prepared at this time of year. It's old habit by now.