West Tennessee severe weather safety tips ahead of Wednesday storms

Gibson County EMA director urges residents to have a weather radio and a family safety plan

3 hours ago

Ashlyn Swinea,

GIBSON COUNTY, Tenn. — A line of storms is expected to move across West Tennessee Wednesday, bringing the possibility of strong winds, hail and spin-up tornadoes.

Gibson County EMA Director Justin Little said residents should prepare now.

“Make sure you’ve got a weather radio and more than one way to receive warnings like your smartphone,” Little said. “We do count on those to go off when a tornado warning is issued. Make sure you’ve gone over the plan with your family as far as what you’ll do if a tornado warning is issued.”

Where to shelter

Little said the safest place in a home during a tornado warning depends on whether the home has a basement.

“If you have a basement, that is going to be your best bet if you can get down to the basement,” Little said. “If you don’t have a basement, it’s going to be an interior room that does not have any windows like a bathroom or even in a bathtub.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) said being outside during a tornado warning is not safe. The agency also said sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes and tents do not provide adequate shelter due to instability, and that residents should seek a sturdy building.

The NWS said vehicles are not safe during a tornado warning. If a vehicle cannot be avoided, the agency recommends getting down in the car, covering your head, or moving to a low-lying area such as a ditch.