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The best way to protect against tornadoes is a well-built house, strong enough to withstand fierce winds. Engineers recommend walls of reinforced concrete, well-anchored to a foundation. A solid roof can also be secured with strap anchors over the rafters.

Many of the people in Tornado Alley who don’t have strong houses have built storm cellars. Storm cellars of this kind should be separate from the house, located near the southwest corner of the building, and not too close to the house walls. The doors should open inward in case debris blocks the exit, and should have a good drainage system to prevent flooding.

A tactic once used to reduce tornado damage was to open a building’s windows, equalizing air pressure inside and outside. However, new studies suggest it is better to keep all windows closed against tornadoes.

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