Our Blog

Tornado Prep Tips to Help You Spin into Safety

The tornado sirens go off. We know you would rather hear any other sound—dogs barking, a baby crying, even honking in traffic—over that. Because with the sirens comes a feeling of dread for the unknown. Disaster is close and your family is in danger.

That’s why we at KCI Homes want to take a moment to help you all be better prepared and have a plan for tornado safety. We build strong, reliable homes, but tornadoes? They play by their own rules. So, let’s talk about how to prep, protect, and keep your cool when Mother Nature starts doing cartwheels in the sky.

Know the Difference—Watch vs. Warning

First off, let’s not confuse our alerts:

• Tornado Watch = Conditions could get rowdy. Keep an eye out.
• Tornado Warning = Grab the snacks and head to shelter NOW. A twister’s either happening or about to.

Think of it like this: a “watch” is the weather saying “I might show up,” and a “warning” is it banging on your front door like a very rude guest.

Have a Safe Spot

Here at KCI, we take tornado zones seriously—and that’s why we encourage all our homeowners to know their safest shelter spot. If your home includes a storm shelter or reinforced safe room, gold star for you! Use it.

Otherwise, go for:

• A basement or underground shelter
• An interior room on the lowest floor (think bathroom or closet)
• Stay away from windows (tornadoes are not fans of glass… or your favorite vase)

And yes, your bathtub can actually make a decent impromptu bunker if needed. Just bring a mattress or thick blanket to cover up.

Make a “Go Kit” (Not Just for Campers)

Every family needs a storm survival stash for when the sky gets angry. Here’s what to throw in there:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Bottled water and snacks
• First-aid kit
• Portable phone charger
• Copies of important documents
• Whistle (so you can be found in a pile of fluff and pillows if needed)

Stay in the Loop

You know what’s cooler than storm-chasing? Not having to. Make sure you’ve got multiple ways to get alerts:

• Weather radio
• Mobile alerts turned ON
• Local news apps
• Your very nosy neighbor with a direct line to every radar in the region (you know the one)

Practice, Practice, Practice

Yup, we’re telling you to have a tornado drill—just like grade school! Gather the family, set a timer, and hustle to your safe zone. Make it fun! First one there gets to pick the movie for family night (assuming the power comes back on).

---

Built Strong. Stay Safe.

At KCI Homes, we build houses that stand tall—even in the wildest weather. But nothing beats a family that’s prepared, calm, and ready. Your home can be your safest place if you’ve got a plan. So go ahead, laminate that emergency contact sheet, stash your flashlight, and maybe teach your dog how to crawl under a blanket (hey, we believe in overachieving).

Stay safe, stay cozy, and remember—when the wind picks up, your KCI home has your back.

By KCI Homes Staff 4-1-2025