Introduction
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that touches the ground’s surface, usually attached to the base of a thunderstorm. In Southern California, tornadoes are rare, but when they occur, they are very dangerous and destructive (Martinez et al., 2023). When a tornado emergency occurs, personal and/or family safety should be prioritized. It is recommended to identify safe shelter locations and seek immediate shelter, especially in a place without windows. As a protective measure, in addition to staying calm, a person should wear a helmet, keep an emergency kit readily available, and follow community emergency plans.
Preparation for the Extreme Situation
In the event of a tornado notification, the first step is to ensure the entire family is in a safe place. If children are at school, they will be instructed to follow the orders of the school administration, which is expected to be prepared for such scenarios (Cal OES, 2023). Once it is known where each family member is, those at home will need to locate the 72-hour to-go bag, which contains an emergency kit, and keep it in the vicinity; the phone should be fully charged to make emergency calls if necessary.
All utilities, including gas, electricity, and water, will be turned off per recommendations from organizations specializing in emergency response. It is best to find a room without windows and seek shelter under the table to protect the head and neck, as glass shards pose a significant injury. While waiting for the tornado to pass, following the latest news is important because at any time, local authorities may issue recommendations for evacuation or other instructions.
Level of Preparation in the Event of a Disaster
Emergencies that are common in Southern California include wildfires and earthquakes, which are the most common, while flooding and extreme heat can also occur. Preparation to manage one’s safety in the event of a disaster is the key to success. Specifically, our family has an evacuation plan and two meeting locations in case we are separated during an emergency, a list of emergency contacts, and a family communication plan. A 72-hour “go-bag” is readily available near the house’s exit so the person responsible for carrying it can quickly grab it and go. In the event of any additional arrangements, our family discusses them to find the best solution.
Reflection
After the class, I have acquired extra batteries and a flashlight for the “go-bag” and plan to add some paper plates, plastic utensils, and some hygiene products that will come in handy. Having some basic CPR knowledge, I plan to take additional training to expand my skills and become skilled and confident enough to help as many people as possible. I have shared my knowledge with friends and family and recommended that they consider creating a “go-bag” and negotiate a family plan for emergencies. Finally, this course helped me become aware of the importance of planning for unforeseen events and of knowing which steps to take. As a future nurse, I consider this knowledge highly important because I will be the one guiding patients’ steps in emergencies.
References
Cal OES. (2023). School emergency planning & safety.
Martinez, C., Netburn, D., & Dixson, B. (2023). Destructive tornadoes are part of life in Southern California — rare but dangerous. Los Angeles Times.