Tornadoes are one of the most destructive and terrifying natural disasters that can strike at any time. Tragically, the storm that swept through Mississippi and Alabama on March 24, 2023, resulted in the loss of many lives. According to officials, at least 25 people were killed as a result of the tornadoes that tore through homes, businesses, and farmland. The devastation was particularly severe in western and central Mississippi, where two deadly tornadoes hit within the span of a few hours. The National Weather Service estimates that the storm lasted for over an hour, causing extensive damage and loss of life. In the aftermath of this tragedy, many people are left without power and struggling to rebuild their homes and communities. In the event of an emergency or tornado, having an emergency power source can provide crucial protection for your family.

Our hearts go out to the people of Mississippi and Alabama who have experienced such devastating loss and destruction. It’s times like these that we recognize the importance of being prepared for emergencies and having reliable emergency power. At Point Zero Energy, we are committed to providing solutions that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, especially during times of crisis.

Our portable solar power generator, the Titan, can be a lifeline in emergency situations and help with Tornado Preparedness. With the ability to provide a reliable source of emergency power for essential devices such as medical equipment, communication devices, and lighting, these generators can help keep people safe and connected in the aftermath of a disaster. We understand that investing in backup power may not be a priority for everyone, but we strongly believe that taking steps to be prepared for emergencies can save lives and reduce the impact of disasters.

Emergency Power for Tornadoes

During a tornado, power outages are common, and it is essential to have an emergency power source. Portable solar power provides a reliable and independent source of power that can keep you and your family safe during a power outage. With a portable power station or solar generator, you can power essential appliances like refrigerators, lights, and communication devices.

Why Portable Solar for Emergency Power?

Portable solar power is an excellent option for emergency power during tornadoes or other emergency situations because portable solar power is independent of the power grid. It uses renewable energy from the sun to charge its batteries, which can power essential appliances and electronics in your home or business. Portable solar power is quiet, clean, and requires no fuel, making it a safe and environmentally friendly solution.

Point Zero Energy’s Titan portable power station is versatile, lightweight, and easy to use. They can be charged using solar panels, wall outlets, or even a car charger. The Titan, their flagship product, has a capacity of 3000Wh and can power multiple devices at once. It has a built-in inverter, which means that you can use it to power your home’s essential appliances during a power outage.

How to Prepare for a Tornado

Tornadoes are one of nature’s most destructive forces, causing immense damage and posing a serious threat to life and property. It’s crucial to be prepared for a tornado in advance to minimize the damage and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. In this section, we’ll share some essential steps you can take to prepare for a tornado.

Create a tornado emergency plan

Take a few minutes to develop a tornado emergency plan for you and your family. This should include:

• Identify a safe place for family and pets during a tornado
• Create a floor plan or walk through each room to discuss shelter options
• Identify a second exit and location of special equipment
• Mark locations of first-aid kit, fire extinguishers, and utility switches
• Educate family on tornado warning system and basic first aid/fire extinguisher use
• Learn child’s school emergency dismissal policy and teach them about tornadoes and sheltering

Practicing your tornado emergency plan is crucial to ensure that everyone in your family knows what to do and where to go in case of a tornado. By conducting regular drills and simulations, you can identify any weaknesses in your plan and make necessary adjustments to improve your preparedness. When a tornado strikes, being well-prepared can help you and your family stay safe and avoid panic during a stressful and potentially life-threatening situation.

Make an emergency supply kit including emergency power

An emergency supply kit is a critical component of any emergency preparedness plan. During an emergency, like a tornado, it’s possible that you’ll be on your own for a few hours or possible days. Being ready means having a sufficient supply of food, water, and other essentials to last for an extended period. A disaster supply kit contains the fundamental items that your household may require in the event of a crisis.

To effectively prepare your emergency kit, pack items in airtight plastic bags and store the entire kit in one or two portable containers like plastic bins or a duffel bag. A comprehensive emergency supply kit should consist of the following essential items:

• Water (One gallon per person per day)
• Food (at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Infant formula & diapers
• Pet food
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle
• Face masks
• Plastic sheet and duct tape (to create a shelter if needed)
• Garbage bags, cleaning wipes and hand sanitizer
• Small tool kit (especially wrench and pliers)
• Manual can opener
• Local maps
• Radio
• Cash
• Important family documents
• Sleeping bag & blanket (one per person)
• Change of clothing and sturdy shoes
• Matches in a waterproof container

For a complete list, visit https://www.ready.gov/kit.

In addition to the essential items mentioned above, it is essential to include a reliable, emergency power source in your emergency supply kit. This is where a portable solar generator and battery supply come in.

Know the signs of a tornado

It’s important to know the signs of a tornado so that you can take shelter as soon as possible. These signs may include:

• A rotating funnel-shaped cloud
• A cloud of approaching debris
• A dark or green-colored sky
• A large, dark, low-lying cloud
• Large hail
• A loud roar that sounds like a freight train

When you observe signs of a tornado, it is crucial to seek shelter without delay. If possible, switch off your utilities and gather crucial supplies such as a first aid kit, blankets, food, and water.

Identify the safest place to take shelter

During a tornado, there’s no completely safe place. However, some locations are safer than others. The safest places to take shelter include:

• A storm cellar
• A basement
• An inside room without windows on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom, closet, or center hallway.

If you live in a mobile home, identify a nearby building you can quickly get to. Don’t stay in a mobile home during a tornado. If you live in a tornado-prone area, encourage your mobile home community to build a tornado shelter.

Take steps to reduce household hazards

To minimize the risk of injury during or after a tornado, you should inspect your home for possible hazards, secure your home’s structure, arrange and secure household items, and remember outdoor items. Here are some specific suggestions:

• Inspect your home for possible hazards, such as unsecured walls, chairs or beds near windows, heavy items stored on high shelves, large unsecured items that might topple over or fall, and poisons or toxic materials stored unsafely.
• Secure your home’s structure by strengthening the areas of connection between the wall studs and roof rafters with hurricane clips. Contact your local city or county building inspectors for more information about structural safety and finding a qualified contractor to do any needed work.
• Arrange and secure household items, such as furniture, heavy or large items on lower shelves, large appliances (especially your water heater) with flexible cable, braided wire, or metal strapping, top-heavy furniture like bookcases or china cabinets with “L” brackets or corner brackets, and cabinet doors with sliding bolts or childproof latches.
• Remember outdoor items, such as patio furniture or lawn equipment. Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a storm and remove any debris or loose

Conclusion

To ensure your safety during a tornado, it is crucial to have a solid plan in place, practice it regularly, and be aware of the signs of an incoming tornado. Identify the safest shelter location in your home, and keep essential items like a first aid kit, blankets, water, and food close by. Furthermore, in the event of a power outage, having a backup power source such as a portable solar power station or generator can prove to be invaluable. Point Zero Energy offers reliable, independent, and eco-friendly portable solar products for emergency situations. Don’t wait until it’s too late; prepare for tornadoes with the help of portable solar power.