Preparing Your Indiana Home for Storm Season

What Every Greenwood & Central Indiana Homeowner Should Know About Severe Weather Safety

If you live in Greenwood, Whiteland, or anywhere across Central Indiana, storm season is something we all take seriously.

And honestly… we should.

Living on the edge of Greenwood and Whiteland, I’ve personally watched tornadoes touch down all around our area multiple times over the last few years. What once felt like “that happens somewhere else” now feels a lot closer to home for many Indiana families.

Indiana weather can shift fast—especially during spring and summer storm season. High winds, hail, tornado warnings, and power outages can happen with little notice. Preparing your home before severe weather arrives can help keep your family safer and reduce panic when those sirens start going off.

Here are some practical storm preparedness tips every Indiana homeowner should know.

Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning

Yes… there is a BIG difference.

One of the most important things homeowners should understand is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.

🌪 Tornado WATCH

A tornado watch means:
👉 Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop.

Think of this as:

“Be alert. Stay weather aware.”

During a watch:

• Keep your phone charged
• Monitor local weather updates
• Review your shelter plan
• Make sure everyone in the household knows where to go if needed

🚨 Tornado WARNING

A tornado warning means:
👉 A tornado has been spotted or indicated on radar.

This is the moment to TAKE ACTION.

Do not wait to “see what happens.” Indiana storms move quickly, and sometimes tornadoes are rain-wrapped or difficult to see—especially at night.

If sirens are sounding in your area:

• Move to your designated shelter space immediately
• Bring pets with you if possible
• Stay away from windows and exterior walls

Where Should You Go During a Tornado Warning?

The safest location in your home is:
✅ The lowest level possible
✅ An interior room
✅ Away from windows

We use a large coat closet or our pantry in our home since they are interior with no outside walls.  We have no basement in our home. 

Best shelter areas include:

• Basement
• Storm shelter
• Interior bathroom
• Interior closet
• Under basement stairs

If you do NOT have a basement:
Choose a small interior room on the lowest floor of the home.

What NOT to Do During Severe Weather

❌ Do not stand outside trying to film the storm
(Your future Instagram Reel is not worth it, friends 😅)

❌ Do not shelter near large windows or sliding glass doors

❌ Do not rely only on outdoor tornado sirens
Sirens are designed to alert people outside. You should also have weather alerts enabled on your phone or weather radio.

Storm Shelter Essentials: What Should You Keep Ready?

When storms hit quickly, you don’t want to scramble gathering supplies.

Create a simple storm kit and keep it in or near your shelter area.

🎒 Recommended Storm Shelter Items

🔦 Lighting & Power

• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Portable phone charger/power bank

📻 Communication

• Battery-powered weather radio
• Fully charged cell phones

🚑 Safety Supplies

• Basic first aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Emergency contact list

🐶 Pet Supplies

• Leash
• Pet carrier
• Small bag of food/treats

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Comfort Items

• Blankets
• Pillows
• Shoes (important if debris is involved)
• Bottled water & snacks

🪖 Extra Safety Tip

Some families keep bicycle helmets in their shelter area to help protect against debris injuries during tornadoes.

Don’t Forget About Your Home’s Exterior

Storm prep isn’t only about sheltering.

Indiana homeowners should also prepare the OUTSIDE of their homes before severe weather season ramps up.

🏡 Outdoor Storm Prep Checklist

• Trim dead tree branches
• Secure patio furniture
• Store lightweight décor during storm threats
• Check gutters and downspouts
• Inspect sump pumps before heavy rain season
• Review homeowner’s insurance coverage annually

Create a Family Storm Plan Before You Need It

The middle of a storm is not the time to figure out:

• where everyone goes
• who grabs the pets
• where flashlights are
• how you’ll communicate if separated

Take 15 minutes and make a plan ahead of time.

Especially if you have:

• young children
• elderly family members
• pets
• family members who may panic during storms

Final Thoughts from a Local Homeowner

Storm season in Indiana is part of life—but preparation truly matters.

After seeing multiple tornadoes touch down around the Greenwood and Whiteland areas in recent years, I think many of us have become more aware of how important it is to have a plan in place before severe weather arrives.