ATLANTA — Many Georgians live in mobile homes and when it comes to storms, they can be one of the most dangerous places to be during severe weather.
[DOWNLOAD: Severe Weather Team 2 Weather App]
Severe thunderstorms can damage a mobile home, and most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes.
Experts agree that being prepared and having a plan is key. When there is severe weather, you need to be aware of the risk.
Severe Weather Team 2 is tracking possible severe storms headed our way Sunday that could bring 60+ mph winds, hail and tornadoes. WATCH LIVE on Channel 2 Action News at 4 p.m.
Watching the local forecast or downloading Channel 2's Weather App can alert you to severe weather in your area.
Having a tornado evacuation plan will also be beneficial for families. Jim Kramper from the National Weather searvice recommends:
- Decide where you will go to take shelter before moving in. A friend or relative's permanent house is a possibility. Make sure you can get in 24 hours a day.
- Time out the route to your shelter location so you'll be certain that you can get there in time any time a tornado warning is issued.
- Always follow weather forecasts and purchase a NOAA weather radio. The radio will sound, alerting you to severe weather warnings 24 hours a day.
- And, if you do not have time to get to your safe shelter, get out of the mobile home and take cover in a ditch or low lying area.
The American Red Cross also suggests that you:
- Know your community's warning system, because they aren't all the same.
- Practice tornado drills so children know what to do
- Remove diseased and damaged limbs from trees before high winds hit.
- Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.
- Watch for tornado danger signs: dark, often greenish clouds; wall cloud – an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm; cloud of debris; large hail; funnel cloud – a visible rotating extension of the cloud base; roaring noise.
After the storm:
- Finding important documents (deeds, insurance, etc.) will be easier if you've stored them in a safe-deposit box or other safe place.
- Use bottled water or boil tap water before drinking it. Discard any food that comes in contact with contaminated water.
- Inspect your home for damage, and take steps to prevent more damage (cover holes with plywood or plastic).
- Stay out of damaged buildings and away from downed power lines.
- You can let family know you're safe by registering on the American Red Cross Safe and Well website. You can also call 1-866-GET-INFO (1-866-438-4636) to register.