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Safety Tips for Tornado Activities

According to the Tornado Project website, about 1,000 twisters touch down annually in the United States. While the chances of tornadoes causing harm to people are slim, the possibility is real. Doubters need to look no further than a series of violent storms that hit Alabama in April 2011, which, according to media outlets, left hundreds dead. To ensure safety when mother nature strikes, it's important to have a plan in place. There are several things to keep in mind from a safety perspective that should be practiced and discussed when preparing for potential twisters.

  1. Have a Plan

    • Whether it be an office, school or home residence, it's important to know where to take cover in the event of a tornado. Because it may be necessary to evacuate to this area in minutes, these evacuation plans should be practiced and discussed annually. In the home, below-ground areas such as basements or crawl shelters are the safest areas. In schools, offices and homes that don't have below-ground shelters, take cover in the center-most rooms of the facility. These rooms are usually free of windows and, being centrally located, are typically better constructed than other areas of the building.

    Know the Signs

    • In the event of severe weather, be aware of the conditions. When a tornado warning is issued, it means one has touched down in the area and you should immediately take shelter. Although you should listen for warning sirens, tornadoes may strike quickly and without sufficient warning. Because of this, have a radio or television nearby to tune into weather updates. Visually, be on the lookout for rotating clouds and greenish to greenish-black coloring in the sky.

    Outside Cover

    • Tornadoes can strike at unexpected times, catching people who might be outdoors or driving in a vehicle off-guard. In these situations, find a ditch and lie flat in it. According to the Federal Emergency Management Association, people shouldn't seek shelter under a bridge or overpass because the structure could collapse. If driving, leave the car and look for a low, flat ditch to take cover in. Never try to outrun a tornado.

    Protect Your Head

    • Tornadoes have the potential to kick up debris from the infrastructure and facilities they've ravaged. This debris potentially can be more dangerous than the tornado itself, as debris can violently travel beyond the funnel cloud. For those taking shelter, especially for those taking shelter in an outside ditch, it's important to protect your head. This can be done by curling into the fetal position and placing your hands over your head for protection.

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