I just trained my 200 students (my two other counter parts don't teach it, I think I am the only one in my district that does so, apparently preps and tornado response, is not on their expectation list) on what to do during a tornado. Many of them, more or less listened, not really taking too many notes, but a few did. One thing I made sure they did was find their old bicycle helmet, football or baseball helmet and told them to lay it near their bed with a flashlight. We went through the drill on what to do when a tornado siren sounded, we have them all around the city, even though I've told my city EM that he doesn't have on placed in the new development areas that would give them sufficient warning. Last time, we had wind swept rain 80mph winds that caused the sound to be lost. Anyway, my all my students learned how to thrown their other little sisters/brothers in the tub (inner bathroom or closet) and place the couch cushions and pillows. I told them it was a waste of time (time being of essence here) to try and pull a mattress in there, which is recommended by some EM and national agencies (not going to mention who), but ever try to get a mattress on a bed, any your asking a kid to do, so, they've been schooled to close the door. I taught them how to make a BOB, even with their old school pack, which most have thrown in their closet and to search their home for some simple essentials. We even made a small first aid kit with a Ziploc bag, nothing special, some Band-Aids, had them cut up some old T-shirts (except red or orange colored) and make them into cravats, the spare cloth was used to make up roll up bandages. Told them to raid the pantry for granola bars, bottled water, spare batteries, and if they had some money, should buy a little weather/fm/am radio from Walmart or Sports Store here. Many were really excited, as I gave them a small compass (yeah one of those cheap one, we took match sticks and Vaseline cotton balls (made them in class), some small kindling wrapped up with some paracord (instructed them how to use paracord, some are now making bracelets after school and then a mini mint (Altoids) survival kit (see a PDF on that one).
Ironically, on Friday, our school had both a fire drill and a disaster drill (tornado drill). All the kids I taught, knew their role and were doing the duck and cover routine.
Of course, and the end of the day, I was pretty gassed, but the kids were asking if we could do some more field craft activities and had to disappoint them by telling them, that we were going to learn about the Constitution and Bill of Rights for the next two weeks. You should have seen them, even the girls were crushed, as many of them were having fun. One of my girls is big into hunting and loves to do outdoor activities and she was really begging!
I know this posts had nothing to do with topic. But if you that live in Tornado areas or are accustomed to the Thunderstorm type events, might be a good idea to test out your equipment and plans...just a friendly reminder.
Regards and Good preps to you all!
