Storm Preparation for Severe Weather Season

Q: When is tornado season in Madison, AL?
A: Alabama has two peak tornado seasons: March–May (spring) and November–December (fall). However, tornadoes can occur anytime, so it’s important to stay prepared year-round.

Q: What should be in my emergency storm kit?
A: A storm kit should include:
✅ NOAA weather radio (battery-powered)
✅ Flashlights & extra batteries
✅ First-aid kit
✅ Bottled water & non-perishable food (3-day supply)
✅ Extra phone charger or power bank
✅ Important documents (ID, insurance, medical records)
✅ Sturdy shoes & gloves (in case of debris)

Q: Where is the safest place to take shelter during a tornado?
A: The best place is a basement or FEMA-rated storm shelter. If that’s not available:

• Go to a small, windowless interior room on the lowest level (bathroom, closet, hallway).
• Avoid large open spaces like gyms or mobile homes.
• If in a vehicle, do not try to outrun a tornado. Find a sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch away from trees and cars.

Q: How can I protect my home from storm damage?
A:

• Trim trees to remove weak branches that could fall.
• Secure outdoor furniture to prevent it from becoming airborne.
• Reinforce your garage door (a weak point in many homes).
• Have a generator in case of power outages.

Q: What alerts should I sign up for?
A:

• NOAA Weather Radio (best for real-time alerts)
• Madison County Emergency Alert System ([check local sign-ups])
• Weather apps like WAFF 48, WHNT 19, and NWS Huntsville

📢 Final Tip: Do a family tornado drill and make sure everyone knows where to go! 🌪

Would you like me to add local storm shelter locations or any other safety tips? 😊

Madison Was Almost Named Cluttsville?!?!

Before Madison officially became Madison, it almost had a very different name... Cluttsville! In the early 1800s, a small settlement just west of present-day Madison was known as Cluttsville, named after one of its founding families.

However, when the Memphis & Charleston Railroad came through in 1856, the train depot was built a few miles east of Cluttsville. A new town quickly formed around the railroad station, and instead of keeping the Cluttsville name, it was renamed Madison Station, after James Madison, the 4th U.S. President. Eventually, "Station" was dropped, and Madison became the official name.

🛤️ Imagine if we were living in Cluttsville today... definitely a different ring to it!

Are You Prepared?

When severe weather strikes, early warnings can save lives. That’s why every household in Madison should have a Midland Weather Radio. This device provides instant alerts from the National Weather Service, even when power or cell service is down. With features like automatic severe weather updates and a battery backup, you’ll stay informed about tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flash floods. Here in Alabama, where unpredictable weather is common, having a Midland Weather Radio on hand offers peace of mind and essential protection for your family. Don’t wait until the next storm to get prepared! Order yours today.

You can go here for instructions on how to set it up.

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