Protecting Yourself During a Tornado: A Comprehensive Guide
Tornadoes are dangerous weather phenomena that can occur with little to no warning, making it critical to be informed and prepared. Whether you live in a high-risk area or just want to know what to do in case of a tornado, this guide will provide you with essential information to help you stay safe and informed.
Stay Informed
It's crucial to stay aware of the weather conditions in your area. Constantly monitor weather reports using a weather radio, smartphone app, or local news. Be on the lookout for tornado watches—indicating conditions are favorable for tornadoes—and tornado warnings, which mean a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar.
Seek Shelter Immediately
Indoors
When a tornado is approaching and you are indoors, your primary goal is to find a small, windowless interior room on the lowest level of your home. This could be a basement storm cellar or an interior hallway. Avoid windows and doors as they can be dangerous in a tornado.
Outdoors
If you are unable to get inside, your best bet is to lie flat in a low-lying area such as a ditch. Cover your head with heavy blankets, mattresses, or helmets to shield yourself from debris. Avoid seeking shelter under overpasses, as these structures can cause severe injuries due to strong winds and flying debris.
Protect Yourself
Use heavy blankets, mattresses, or any hard objects available to protect yourself and others from flying debris. Keep in mind that the safest place is not under overpasses but in a small, windowless interior room on the lowest level of your home.
Avoid Certain Areas
Avoid areas with windows, doors, and outside walls. The goal is to be as sheltered as possible from flying debris and the strong winds associated with tornadoes. Mobile homes are particularly unsafe during tornadoes and should be evacuated immediately.
After the Tornado Passes
Once the tornado has passed, stay tuned for updates. Only leave your shelter when it is safe. Be aware of potential hazards such as downed power lines, gas leaks, and debris. If you are able, help others, but always prioritize your own safety first.
Have a Plan
Prepare in advance by creating a tornado emergency plan with your family. Designate meeting spots and communication methods to ensure everyone can stay safe and in touch. Regularly review and practice your tornado drill to make sure everyone knows what to do.
Even if you feel safe, tornadoes can be unpredictable. Keep an eye on the weather and have a plan in place. In my neighborhood, the tornado sirens go off when a tornado is about 20 miles away. My storm radio also activates even before that. If a tornado warning is issued, I tune into my local TV station for immediate updates and tracking information. I also have a storm shelter built into my garage floor ready for use.
The tornado sirens go off when a storm is about 20 miles away. My storm radio activates even before that. In such a situation, if I can still venture outside to observe the tornado, I will do so. But if the warnings persist, I will take shelter. There's nothing much that can be done about a tornado or against it—taking precautions is the best.
I've lived in Oklahoma for 65 years, and it's clear that having a plan is crucial. Check your local news to stay informed about tornadoes in your area. If you can, track the path of the storm and determine the safest direction to travel. Remember, tornadoes generally travel in a southwest to northeast direction, so avoid them at all costs.