Give Yourself a Chance Against a Tornado with These Tips
Give Yourself a Chance Against a Tornado with These Tips
The United States of America is No. 1 in the world in many categories, including technological innovation, medical research, robotics, aerospace, aviation, and charitable giving. Unfortunately, we also lead the world in tornadoes, with an average of about 1,200 per year. America experiences the most destructive and deadliest tornadoes on the planet.
The deadliest tornado outbreak in U.S. history occurred in March 1925 in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, when 695 people lost their lives. More recently, 158 people died in the 2011 tornado in Joplin, Missouri.
Devastating Storms Show No Mercy
Before discussing how to stay safe during a tornado, let's take a look at exactly what a tornado is.
Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that make contact with the earth’s surface. They are powerful enough to destroy homes, uproot trees, and take down power lines in an instant.
While most tornadoes are approximately 250 feet across with wind speeds under 110 miles per hour, some can stretch over two miles wide and produce winds of 300 mph or more.
Your safest bet when a tornado strikes is to put yourself in the best possible position to avoid the storm. You don’t have to wait for an actual tornado to come roaring at you—preparation is key.
Activate Your Response Plan
There are steps you can take now to protect yourself and your family before, during, and after a tornado.
First and foremost—this applies to any weather-related disaster—you should have an emergency response plan in place in case a tornado warning is issued.
Whether at home or work, everyone should be aware of what to do and where to take shelter.
5 Steps to Stay Safe
If conditions are right for a tornado, a tornado watch will be issued. Pay close attention to your surroundings. If a tornado warning is announced, a tornado has been spotted in your area, and you should seek shelter immediately.
Tune into emergency radio reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Their updates are often ahead of mainstream media reports.
According to Ready.gov, here are five critical steps to take during a tornado:
- If you’re indoors, get to a basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of a building. Stay away from windows, doors, building corners, and exterior walls.
- If you can’t get to a lower level, find the smallest interior room or hallway, as far from the outside as possible.
- If you’re driving, try to reach the nearest shelter.
- If you can’t get to a shelter while driving, get out of the car and lie face down with your hands over your head in a ditch or low area away from vehicles.
- If you see a tornado while driving, do not try to outrun it. Pull over and seek shelter immediately. Avoid overpasses, bridges, tall buildings, and flying debris.
Emergency Kit Must-Haves
Sometimes, people become trapped in basements, closets, or other small rooms after a tornado hits. That’s why it’s essential to bring an emergency kit with you when taking cover.
Key items to include:
- Non-perishable food and water
- Cellphone and backup power bank
- Flashlight
- Prescription medications
- First-aid kit and hygiene supplies
- Emergency weather radio
- Blanket and pillow
- Personal water filter
- N-95 masks
- Books, games, puzzles
After the Tornado
Once the tornado passes and you leave your shelter, dangers still remain. Many people suffer post-tornado injuries while cleaning up debris, including glass, nails, and splintered wood. Be cautious of downed power lines, ruptured gas lines, and weakened structures.
Tornadoes are among nature’s most destructive forces, but like every other emergency, preparation increases your chances of survival. Stay alert, have a plan, and be ready to act when severe weather strikes.
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