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What are Tornado Safety Precautions?

A Kaminsky
A Kaminsky

Tornadoes do millions of dollars in damage each year to property in the United States. Thankfully, there are usually few fatalities. This is almost always because people know proper tornado safety precautions.

Flying debris is the number one killer when a tornado strikes. This is why the first safety precaution is to get inside a sturdy building, away from windows. A storm shelter is always preferable, but if one is not available, a person should go into an interior room on the lowest level of the building. The idea is to put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. Interior closets or bathrooms are good places to hide.

If a driver spots a tornado, he or she immediately should pull over and find a ditch to lie down in.
If a driver spots a tornado, he or she immediately should pull over and find a ditch to lie down in.

It's always a good idea to take along a pillow or to wear a bike or motorcycle helmet to protect the head. The person should also put shoes on. This is because the high winds from a tornado may blow out a window, and the person may have to walk over broken glass or other debris after the storm passes.

Motorists who find themselves in tornadic thunderstorms, or who spot a tornado, should pull over and find a ditch or ravine to lie down in. A dry culvert with some shelter is good, too. A popular television show had storm chasers hiding under an overpass, but this is a bad idea because the winds can blow someone out from under the structure, and a direct hit could destroy it. Somewhere below ground level is always a preferable shelter. Don't try to drive faster than the storm is moving. A motorist should always seek shelter rather than trying to outrun the storm.

A basement or cellar can be used when seeking protection from a tornado.
A basement or cellar can be used when seeking protection from a tornado.

Mobile homes are death traps and should be vacated as soon as possible. They are particularly prone to being flipped and torn by the rotating winds in a tornado, and more deaths occur in mobile homes than in any other kind of structure. People in office buildings should follow the home rule of getting in the center of the building on the lowest floor, away from windows. A gymnasium or any room with a large, unsupported roof should be vacated as well. These buildings are prone to roof loss in a tornado.

A tornado is a dangerous storm and should never be taken lightly. However, except in cases of an extremely violent tornado, following common sense safety precautions will almost always limit injuries and prevent fatalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest place to take shelter during a tornado?

The safest place during a tornado is a small, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building, ideally a basement or storm cellar. If these are not available, an interior bathroom, closet, or hallway at the lowest level is the next best option. The goal is to put as many walls between you and the outside as possible, protecting you from flying debris and high winds.

Is it safe to hide under a bridge or overpass during a tornado?

No, hiding under a bridge or overpass is not safe. According to the National Weather Service, this can be one of the most dangerous places because wind speeds can actually increase under a bridge due to a wind-tunnel effect, which can cause more severe injuries from flying debris. It's better to find a low, flat location away from trees and cars and cover your head with your arms.

What should I have in my tornado emergency kit?

Your tornado emergency kit should include a first-aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food items, a flashlight with extra batteries, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio to receive weather updates, a whistle to signal for help, sturdy shoes, and a helmet to protect against head injuries. It's also wise to include important documents in a waterproof container and a list of emergency contacts.

How can I protect my pets during a tornado?

During a tornado, pets should be brought indoors and kept in a carrier or on a leash to prevent them from escaping or getting injured. Ensure their identification tags are up-to-date, and consider microchipping for added security. Have an emergency pet kit ready with food, water, medications, and any special care instructions in case you need to evacuate quickly.

What are the signs that a tornado may be forming?

Signs of an impending tornado include a dark, often greenish sky, a wall cloud or an approaching cloud of debris, large hail, a loud roar similar to a freight train, and a sudden calm after a thunderstorm. It's crucial to stay alert to weather warnings and seek shelter immediately if you notice any of these warning signs.

How much advance warning is there typically before a tornado strikes?

Advance warning times for tornadoes can vary greatly, but with modern technology, the average lead time for a tornado warning is about 13 minutes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). However, some tornadoes can occur without any warning at all, which is why it's essential to understand the signs of a tornado and have a preparedness plan in place.

Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

When I'm in an unfamiliar building, the first thing I do is look for where I'd hide during a tornado, especially if the weather is supposed to be bad that day.

In most places, like department stores, this will be the bathroom. There's a grocery store in my area that takes shoppers to the employee break room and bathroom area because these are on inside walls and are very well protected.

You can always tell when you're in a tornado-prone area because public buildings will have "tornado shelter" signs posted.

Grivusangel

A lot of people in my area have invested in storm shelters or safe rooms since the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak. It was awful.

The in-house safe room has become popular, since people don't have to go outside to get to safety, which is always better.

Another new innovation is to build an underground shelter underneath an already existing structure, like the garage. They build a sliding door so it's flat, and again, people don't have to go outside to get to shelter. With debris being such a risk, you don't want to leave the house if not absolutely necessary.

anon90176

very good and interesting things about tornado precautions. cool.

anon85854

Wow! This is really good information! This information has helped me in research for a project on tornado precautions! Thanks!

anon84964

Thank you so much for the information. This is just what I needed to finish up one of my final projects in my Earth and Space Science class! Thank you wisegeek.com

anon83195

Wise geek is pretty good! Your information was interesting and helpful! Good job!

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    • If a driver spots a tornado, he or she immediately should pull over and find a ditch to lie down in.
      By: James Thew
      If a driver spots a tornado, he or she immediately should pull over and find a ditch to lie down in.
    • A basement or cellar can be used when seeking protection from a tornado.
      By: Steven Baines
      A basement or cellar can be used when seeking protection from a tornado.