Tornado Safety: How to Protect Your Family
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Earlier this week, yet another round of tornados and violent storms ripped through the Midwest. CNN is reporting that Monday's storm cell over Joplin, Mo., has left more than 120 people dead, while 15 deaths occurred Tuesday in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas. The site goes on to say that this is the deadliest tornado season since 1953, and there are still a couple of months left.
Because tornados can pop up pretty fast, there's rarely a lot of lead time to get yourself and your family prepared. If you're under a tornado warning, then one has already been spotted in your area. However, a tornado watch, where conditions are ripe for a tornado to form, will give you and your family a little bit of time to prepare. Here are some safety tips in the event you find yourself in a terrifying tornado situation. No matter where you are, the best thing you can do for your family is to remain as calm as possible.
Home, Office, or School
If you're in a building, then move to the lowest, most interior spot you can find. Stay away from windows and doors, as they can easily break or blow open. Try to position yourself under a sturdy piece of furniture that can offer some protection. If that's not possible, try to at least cover yourself with something padded, like a mattress, sleeping bag, heavy comforter, or a stockpile of pillows. If you have children with you, try to position your body as a shield over theirs.
Car, Bus, or Mobile Home
All of these are extremely dangerous in the event of a tornado. If you're in a car or bus, quickly judge how far away the tornado is. If you think you're able to outrun it, then drive at an angle away from the tornado. But keep in mind, tornados can move at incredible speeds and span more than a mile across, so outrunning one may be hard to do. If that's the case, or if you're in a mobile home, then it's time to make a break for it and get out. Look for a building or a sturdier structure that can provide some type of protection from the wind. Barring that, your best bet is to lay flat on the ground, as far away from the cars or mobile homes as you can get. Put your hands over your head to protect it from flying objects.
After the Fact
Once the tornado has passed, assess the situation. If anyone around is hurt, you should tend to them first and wait for medical assistance to arrive. If everyone is OK, very carefully try to make your way out of whatever shelter you are in. Remember that there will most likely be heavy damage, broken glass, cut power lines, and leaking gas around you. Take care, move slowly, and help the children, elderly, and injured first.
I know some of this is common knowledge and may seem repetitive, but it never hurts to brush up on safety. Take it from someone who has spent more than one night huddled in her basement with her family, it's better to be safe. For more information on tornados and tornado safety, visit the Storm Prediction Center Web site.
More on Severe Weather Safety
How to Talk to Your Kids About Natural Disasters : Parentables
Top 5 Tips for Tornado Safety : TLC
Video: Tornado on the Road : Discovery
