Alabama: Tornado Survivors Tell You What They Wish They Knew

Our friends Allison and Nathan Laupp's home was torn apart and their family survived! Here's what they say they will be doing during the storm's today.

These are thing you would never think about, unless you've been thru it.

They said here are some things we will be doing tonight:

1) Have POWER BANKS and everything CHARGED up. Including iPads for your kiddos and anything else to keep them preoccupied.

2) a FLASHLIGHT for EACH person - all we had were our cellphones as flashlights and it’s truly a miracle we didn’t get hurt climbing through the debris

3) SHOES - we had to search through a box of shoes that were too small and ready to be donated in pitch black with water pouring into the basement, and we couldn’t find any for almost 2 year old Teddy. We couldn’t set him down even for a second to navigate, (not safe) please have a pair for everyone right with you.

4) HELMETS and MATTRESSES - both can be thrown on/over your family if you hear it coming or are in the direct path. You wouldn’t believe how heavy the beams and wet drywall are - it sounds like the actual Earth falling down.

5) a WHISTLE - if you were to become trapped, this would allow first responders to find you

6) DIAPERS and WIPES - we did not have these and poor Teddy was in a dirty diaper for a very long time. We waited a long time for rescuers before Nathan realized we just had to get out. It was sad and stinky.

7) all the other things you always hear too - water, snacks, air mattresses if you end up having to stay down there for long periods (tonight may be like that!)

8) try and stay calm for your littles. Even though Nathan Laupp and I are on edge and emotional today, our kids won’t know. We are having a CELEBRATION in our basement tonight - they asked for nachos, we will have pie for “pie day”, popcorn, uno, toys, iPads past bedtime, and a movie playing! Not to mention lots of snuggles and secret reflection on how lucky we are to be here.