If you live in Kentucky, you know the threat of tornados is genuine. In December of 2021, one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks on record devastated much of the southern United States. An EF4 tornado, surprisingly late in the tornado season, destroyed more than 15,000 buildings and claimed 71 lives – 22 of which were in Kentucky. Whether you live in Bowling Green, Louisville, or Owensboro, your top priority should be protecting your family from severe weather. If you’re lacking proper shelter for your home, consider Ground Zero Shelters, Co. Serving the entire state, we specialize in above-ground tornado shelters for Kentucky residents. Our team will work with you to find the best solution for your storm shelter needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!
Although the core of what we commonly refer to as Tornado Alley stretches from Texas to Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa, several Midwestern states like Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin are often included in the line of fire. Kentucky ranks 27 for the frequency of tornados and 15 for the number of tornado-related deaths in the nation. At least five major tornado outbreaks have been reported in Kentucky since the 1900s. The estimated cost of tornado-related repairs in the state is upwards of $300 million. Regardless of where you call home, you can never be too safe when protecting your property from the devastation of severe storms and tornados. Learn more about Kentucky’s tornado facts.
Tornados typically form when cool air from the Rocky Mountains meets warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico. Spring is the heart of tornado season, with most tornados occurring between March and May. The peak month for tornados in Kentucky is April. However, the occasional outlier storm can happen at any time, as evidenced by the surprise tornado in December that was already mentioned.
The best advice experts can give about tornados is to be prepared for them before they strike. Follow these simple steps to keep you and your loved ones safe from a Kentucky tornado:
Have an Emergency Plan – It’s crucial to have an emergency plan and practice it. You’ll be less likely to panic and forget something important if your family has a plan. Many people prepare an emergency kit containing three days’ worth of supplies for each household member. You may want to go over the basics of first aid and how to use a fire extinguisher. Ensure everyone knows where utility switches and valves are located and how to turn them off in an emergency safely.
• Stay Tuned to Local Weather – Stay tuned to your local weather reports. Special weather radios can be tuned to the latest meteorological broadcasts. If you hear a tornado warning, you have about 10-15 minutes until the storm’s estimated arrival time in your area.
• Is It a Tornado Watch or Tornado Warning? – Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. A tornado watch means severe weather is possible in your area. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar in your area. If a tornado warning has been issued in your area, take immediate shelter.
• Have a Safe Place to Take Shelter – Identify the safest place for your family to take shelter from the storm. The safest place to be is usually an inside area without any windows. This could be your basement, hallway, bathroom, closet, or above-ground safe room from Ground Zero.
Founded in 2004, Ground Zero Shelters is a family-owned business that believes every family should have access to an affordable, durable storm shelter. Every shelter we install meets or exceeds FEMA standards in tests conducted by the Texas Tech Wind and Science Institute for your peace of mind. Comprised of ¼ inch plate steel attached with bolts, our above-ground tornado shelters can withstand 10,000 psi of sheer pressure, making them one of the most effective on the market. They also come with a warranty to ensure your satisfaction for many years to come. Let our family protect yours!
Don’t wait until the next major storm hits Kentucky. Order your storm shelter from Ground Zero today. Contact us with any questions or concerns. We can expertly install our above-ground shelters in a matter of hours to help keep your old Kentucky home safe from severe weather!
Want more information about storms in this area? Get Kentucky Tornado Facts here.