@chels

^ (speaking as someone who almost got sucked into the 2004 Roanoke Tornado while riding in the back seat of a car going past the Parson’s plant, and has been paranoid of tornados ever since)

@GlytchMeister Ho Lee Shit.

I’m overly anxious, working with therapy for my PTSD, and my kiddo has had a weird phobia of tornadoes since he was 3.
I hope he stays sleeping through this.

Both dogs are up with me now. They’re calm so I’m trying to stay calm. I’m not great at calling the F down sometimes. I’m working on it. Thank you for your kindness.

@chels

Yeah, it took me a while to stop freaking out whenever they tested the sirens and whenever a strong storm rolled through.

I still keep an eye on storms and I refuse to rent (or, in the future, buy) a place with no basement, but now that I know a fair amount about tornados, I can pretty well tell when it’s time to hunker down and when it isn’t.

@chels

I manage my worry through knowledge and preparation…

Knowledge - Basic rule of thumb:

No need to worry until the sirens turn on

If they do, all ya gotta do is look at the red warning box and see if you’re in it. Usually, you ain’t. And if you’re near it, still don’t worry - they make the boxes bigger than the real prediction cone, just in case. Outside the red box, you very likely won’t see a tornado.

@GlytchMeister that's helpful. Thank you. I always enjoy hearing how others mange their worries. I always learn something.

My mantra is

"try not to freak out until it is *time* to freak out. Then, if needed, remember to try to stay calm and handle shit as you make your way to safety.”

@chels

Preparation - have the following ready for if you are ever in the red warning box:

-Wear-
Waterproof work boots
Tough jeans
T shirt and Hoodie
Rain coat
Leather work gloves
Pair of ear plugs per person
Pair of safety glasses per person

-Pack in backpack-
First aid kit
Granola / protein bars - 3 per person
Sandwich baggies of dog food - 3 per dog
Bottles of water - 3 per person/dog
Tarp
Flashlight and spare batteries

Keep the backpack in the basement or a central bathroom/closet.

@GlytchMeister that's understandable. I still hate the sirens every Wednesday.

I'm going to watch this until about 4 and then try to sleep before having to get kid up for school before 7. Yay!

@GlytchMeister this is genius. Watch is better than a warning.

I should never forget again. This helps kiddos too!