Staying safe during a tornado is an important part of preparing for one. You must properly inform yourself and prepare if you want to protect yourself from the significant damage and danger that tornadoes can cause. Knowing how to stay safe in a tornado should be one of the first steps in developing a disaster preparedness plan.
Tornado safety starts with being aware of weather conditions and understanding the warning signs that indicate when it’s time to seek shelter from an impending storm or the dangerous wind speeds associated with tornadoes. Paying close attention to local news reports, checking The Weather Channel, and downloading mobile apps like AccuWeather or Storm Radar can help you keep track of severe storms in your area so you can prepare in plenty of time before they strike. You should also become acquainted with NOAA warnings, as they will notify people living in affected areas about potential dangers related to severe storms and tornadoes ahead of time, allowing them to take appropriate precautions.
Preparing a tornado-safe room
Once authorities issue an alarm regarding potential danger due to an incoming weather system (i.e. strong winds), it is critical for families to plan ahead of time where everyone will go. This could include designating a “safe room” within the house or building where all individuals are instructed to meet.
Ideally, this room would be located on the basement level of a house or building to provide better protection against outside elements getting inside the structure – that is, no windows or doors leading outside the wall-level ground floor, etc…
If there isn’t a basement near the resident’s current location, another option could be to find a sturdy shelter nearby, such as a public library, community center, shopping mall, etc…
which typically provide better protection against flying debris and other dangers presented during violent storm events, such as those caused by tornadoes blowing through the region at high-speed rates, forcing objects to get airborne easily, causing serious injury or death, and even destruction to property around them – particularly unprotected structures outdoors.
Also, never hide under bridge overpasses, as these places amplify wind speeds and increase the chances of flying debris striking a person rather than providing any true shelter from Mother Nature herself!
Precautions to take care
When indoors, always avoid using hallways, bathrooms, closets alcoves.
Strong winds can cause hard objects to be thrown around violently, making individuals in these areas more vulnerable to getting hurt since the walls surrounding them do not provide much cushioning effect between them and their environment.
Instead, try to find an interior room away from exterior walls, preferably without a window(s), and protect yourself in the best way possible, given the current situation.
Finally, ensure that each member of the family is aware of the proper procedure to follow in the event of an emergency:
- Shut down all utility water, gas, and electricity
- Unplug appliances and electronic devices
- Shut down computer systems, lock doors, and close windows
- Evacuate immediately and proceed to the previously discussed location until the situation returns to normalcy
