While Missouri doesn't quite have the same reputation as Oklahoma, it sees its fair share of tornadic activity. In fact, the state experiences around 31 tornadoes every year. It also holds top spots for some of the most dangerous twisters ever recorded, including the deadliest one in U.S. history. For those reasons, it's not a surprise that many families want to prepare for the worst. From storm shelters to evacuation plans, follow these three tips to make sure you're ready for tornado season.

3 Tips for Preparing for Missouri's Tornado Season

1. Build a Storm Shelter

Protecting your family starts with creating the right style of shelter. While inner hallways and bathtubs provide some level or cover during severe weather, they're unlikely to stand up to a direct tornado hit. A concrete storm shelter, on the other hand, is designed to not only stand up to incredibly high winds, but it also protects against flying debris. Precast concrete storm shelters are environment-resistant, efficient to construct, and often come at a lower cost than site-cast concrete solutions.

2. Put Together an Emergency Kit

If a tornado hits your home, many of your possessions — at the very least — are likely to be destroyed or damaged. As a result, you need to keep the necessities in your shelter for easy access. Put together an emergency kit full of first aid supplies, non-perishable foods, and water. You may also want to store important documents inside, like insurance paperwork, birth certificates, and social security cards.

3. Create a Plan

When a tornado strikes, time is of the essence. To protect your loved ones, you need to create an emergency plan together with your family and practice it regularly. Make sure everyone knows where to go, what supplies they need to grab, and which other family members or pets they're responsible for getting inside the shelter. It's best to draft both whole-home and individual checklists so that everyone knows exactly what needs to be done.

Are you prepared for a tornado? Keep your family safe with a storm shelter from Olson Precast Concrete LLC in West Plains, MO. From septic tanks to retaining walls, the local company has provided dependable concrete services to residents and businesses across Howell County and surrounding areas for nearly 30 years. Learn more about their precast concrete storm shelters online, and request your free estimate today at (417) 256-1500.