Suppose you want to avoid harm during a tornado. In that case, you should get a plan and an emergency kit ready, monitor the weather closely, know where to take shelter indoors and out, and wear protective gear, especially a sturdy helmet, at all times.
Every year, tornadoes strike various parts of the United States, wreaking havoc with their high winds and leveling buildings in their wake.
December tornadoes can cause severe damage, despite their low frequency (12-15%) compared to early June (90-100%). Death toll from the 2021 tornado season is at 103, with hundreds more injured and billions in property damage. It was in December that the worst of the epidemic hit.
There is no foolproof way to be safe during a tornado, as stated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) external symbol. An unlikely event like a tornado needs to be treated carefully. Extremely powerful EF5 tornadoes (those with wind speeds of 200 MPH or more) are exceptionally rare, but they can destroy practically any home and anyone inside it. In Moore, Oklahoma, on May 20, 2013, the United States experienced its final catastrophic EF5 tornado after more than eight years. As a rule, tornadoes are substantially less intense. If you make the necessary preparations, you can survive a tornado. Here are three critical pieces of advice to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones
Always Have Backup Plan
If you want to survive a tornado, you should stock up on the following supplies:
- Keep up with the newest emergency weather updates by stocking fresh batteries and a battery-operated TV, radio, or internet-enabled device.
- A safe place for you and your loved ones, people with special needs, and even your pets to take cover in the event of a tornado.
- Packing an emergency supply (including water, non-perishable food, and medication)
- Extensive contact details are included in this document.
Stay Aware Of Weather Conditions
It’s important to teach your kids about tornadoes, the difference between a watch and a warning, the county or parish they live in (warnings are often issued by county or parish), and the characteristics of a safe refuge, such as your home or their school.
Keep an Eye on the Forecast
Pay close attention to shifting weather conditions in your neighborhood to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during a tornado. Apps like Accurate Weather Forecast would help. When thunderstorms are in the forecast, it’s a good idea to keep an ear to the ground by listening to local radio and television stations or an NOAA weather radio station. In the case of some twisters, there is just no time for a warning before they make landfall. Tornadoes may be imminent if the following weather conditions persist:
- Smog or a greenish sky
- A massive, foreboding cloud that is settling relatively close to the ground
- Punitive hail
- A loud rumble, like that of an approaching freight train.
Take shelter immediately if you experience any of these, and keep your radio or TV tuned to local stations, an NOAA weather radio station, or the internet for updates.
Know Where You May Take Refuge
Injuries and deaths during a tornado are typically caused by falling and flying debris. Nothing is entirely safe from a tornado, but certain areas are far less at risk than others.
- Meet in the cellar or a ground-level place with no windows (bathroom, closet, center hallway).
- Do not take refuge in a room with windows if at all feasible.
- Crawl under something solid for more cover (a heavy table or workbench). Use a blanket, sleeping bag, or mattress to keep warm. Make use of whatever is at hand to keep your noggin safe.
- Leave the mobile home immediately.
You should seek refuge in a nearby building, ideally one with a basement, if you are currently outside or in a mobile home. Don’t try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, seek shelter in the nearest sturdy structure.
There is no way to predict the severity of a tornado until it makes landfall, so it’s essential to monitor the weather prediction closely, especially if severe thunderstorms are in the forecast. Your home and family should be tornado-ready. When everyone in the house (or the neighborhood) knows where to go in an emergency, it’s much simpler to evacuate swiftly. Adhering to these guidelines will significantly increase your chances of avoiding harm.