Safety Tips

There are a number of ways to protect yourself from the deadly effects of tornadoes. If you ever find yourself in the vicinity surrounding a tornado, the best thing to do is to get into a shelter that is equipped with a storm cellar. If you don't have a shelter designed to withstand tornadoes, then go into your basement. Do not stand near any windows, as they are prone to blow out due to the drastic drop in pressure. If you cannot reach the basement in time, find a closet or bathroom on the lowest floor possible. Toilets and bathtubs are usually anchored into the ground, and thus are usually the only things left intact after a tornado hits.

If you are inside a school or any other large building, do not stand under an area with a very large roof such as a gymnasium, because they are the most likely to crumble first due to the high wind speeds. Try to avoid hallways that have doorways leading outside the building.

If you are outside, find cover under an overpass. A ditch is also a good choice if it is not raining. If there is rain, then you need to watch out for flash floods and drowning. Always crouch down and make yourself a small "target". If you are in a car, do not try to drive away from the tornado, because you might actually be driving toward it. Numerous people have died in cars because tornadoes have thrown the cars or toppled them over.

If you live in a mobile home, you should vacate it immediately, for it offers virtually no protection at all. The tornado can pick it up like a toy and hurl it miles from its original space.

Of course, there are the usual chores you can do when any large storm is approaching, such as stocking up on canned food, fresh water, and batteries for radios and flashlights.

But probably the best precaution to avoid getting hurt by a tornado is to be alert and follow instructions. Many people get hurt by tornadoes because they are not informed about severe weather conditions in the area, so listening to weather forecasts are important. (See forecasts) You should have at least one battery operated radio because of the possibility of a power failure.

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