Tornado Questions Home
I have had tornado questions since I was 10 years old, when a tornado plowed through a new lot my folks had just purchased on a lake in the Midwest, and then went on to totally destroy every other house on the block.
Why would it do something like that? Where did it come from? What the heck was it?
A lot of those questions are posted on this site.
Like, how do you stay safe from a tornado?
Probably the biggest factor is simply planning ahead, and making sure everyone in your family is aware of those preparations. This includes knowing the safest places in your house, and when to go to them. It includes knowing what to do if they are driving. Or outside.
Having an emergency tornado supply kit is another good idea. Your kit should include a battery (with fresh batteries!) or hand-crank radio, one or more flashlights, water (store-bought plastic bottles best – these should be periodically replaced to keep them fresh), food (sports bars are good, keep in a closed plastic container and refresh them periodically as well), blankets, medicines, a good first aid kit, and anything else you or your family is likely to need.
When my folks built their new home (shortly after the tornado tore through their lot), guess what the first thing they requested from their architect? A tornado shelter, in the basement. Ours consisted of a cement block room, approximately five by 15 feet. It wasn’t fancy, and we only had to use it a few times, but it was nice having it.
As a rule of thumb, the safest place to be during a tornado is in the basement, cellar or in a severe weather shelter. If such a location is not available, go to a small room such as a closet or bathroom on the lowest floor, towards the center of the structure. Stay away from exterior windows. If available, wrap yourself in blankets and get under sturdy furniture. In offices, apartment complexes, schools or other larger buildings, it is usually best to stay in interior hallways on the lowest floor you can. Avoid rooms with large ceilings.
If you live in a manufactured (mobile) home, it is imperative you be aware of community shelters. The bottom line is that you cannot afford to take chances so err on the side of caution. Be very conservative and use the shelters to keep your family safe.
If you are in a vehicle and find yourself too close to a tornado, it is recommended that you get out of the vehicle and go into a building. If one is not available, it is suggested you lay in the lowest area such as a ravine or ditch that you can.
Of course, there are other issues besides just tornado safety … a big one is whether or not you have tornado insurance. More information about tornado insurance is covered elsewhere on this site.
These are only the most basic suggestions, we strongly advise you become aware of the safety recommendations available at FEMA Tornado Safety.
