Tornadoes are incredibly destructive and can be a terrifying experience for anyone caught in their path. The power and force of a tornado can level entire neighborhoods, leaving behind a trail of devastation and destruction. It’s no wonder that many people feel afraid when they hear the loud roar of a twister and the warning sirens that often sound before it. However, being properly prepared and knowing how to prepare for a tornado can help you feel less afraid.
Tornadoes are one of nature’s most destructive and forceful phenomena. With columns of air that can reach speeds of up to 300 miles per hour, these rotating vortexes of air situated inside the systems that create thunderstorms create a funnel-shaped cloud that can cause catastrophic damage to everything in their path.
Tornadoes can level entire towns and cities, leaving behind a trail of debris and destruction. Their sheer power and unpredictability make them a force to be reckoned with, and one that should never be taken lightly.
I grew up in trailers. My first tornado experience was seeing my Dad come running down the hallway just to knock me to the ground and cover me with his own body. It was then I heard the sound of the funnel passing over our trailer. We were lucky that it did not touch down and do significant damage. But that experience is the one that made me realize how important it is to know how to prepare for a tornado.
What Are the 5 Steps to Prepare for a Tornado?
Preparing for a tornado is crucial to ensure your safety during a potentially life-threatening event and they should be done long before the approaching cloud of debris is even a concern; especially if you live in a frequent watch area. There are five essential steps you should take to prepare for a tornado.
Firstly, you should have an emergency kit that includes essential supplies. This should include things like a NOAA weather radio, a battery-powered flashlight and extra batteries, non-perishable food, water, long pants for each member of the family, thick-soled shoes, phone chargers and special items like diapers and infant formula or medications family members may take daily.
Secondly, you should identify a safe room in your home, preferably a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows. This could be something as simple as a closet or bathroom, but it needs to have no windows. A windowed room is unsafe during a twister.
Thirdly, you should develop a communication plan with your family and friends to stay connected during the emergency. A good set of 2-way radios is a good idea for this. In a tornado emergency, cell service may not work at all and if it does, it may be very spotty.
Fourthly, you should keep a close eye on weather forecasts and warnings to stay informed about any potential threats. In the age of weather apps, this has never been easier to do.
Finally, if you’re learning how to prepare for a tornado, your family should as well. This means you should conduct regular practice tornado drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of a tornado. It may seem silly to do so, but it will help keep your family a bit calmer when and if the real thing happens.
How to Survive a Tornado
When tornado watches or a tornado warning is issued, it’s important to take immediate action to seek shelter and protect yourself from the potentially devastating effects of this natural disaster. Know what to do when a tornado hits is the difference between saving your life and your funeral.
First, it’s important to know what a tornado looks like. Tornadoes are typically funnel-shaped clouds that rotate around a central axis. They can be accompanied by a loud roaring sound that’s often compared to the sound of a freight train. If you see a tornado, take immediate action to protect yourself and others. If you can see or hear the tornado, it is often too late to seek shelter, so don’t wait.
The first step is to seek shelter in a safe place. Again, if you’re in a building, go to the lowest level possible. This could be a basement, storm cellar, or even a closet or bathroom on the ground floor. Stay away from windows and exterior walls, as these can be dangerous areas during a tornado. If you’re in a high-rise building, go to the lowest floor possible and stay in an interior room or hallway. Take the stairs and do not attempt to use an elevator during a tornado.
If you’re in a mobile home or other temporary structure, leave immediately and seek a sturdy building. These types of structures are not safe during tornadoes and offer very little protection. If, however, you are in a mobile home during a tornado and are unable to leave to find better shelter, it’s important to take immediate action to protect yourself.
Get to the lowest level of the home and seek shelter in a small, interior room such as a closet or bathroom. Cover yourself with a mattress or blankets to protect against flying debris. If possible, use straps or ropes to secure yourself to a sturdy object such as a pipe or beam. Stay away from windows and exterior walls, as these areas can be particularly dangerous during a tornado.
Is a Bathtub Safe During a Tornado?
Yes and no meaning there are a few conditions to taking shelter from a tornado in your bathroom and bathtub. If the bathroom is on the first floor and is tornado safe room with no windows you’re off to a good start. Tornado safe means that it is also an interior room with no outside walls.
If it meets these conditions then it is considered a good place to shelter if you don’t have a basement or an actual tornado shelter. Taking shelter from a tornado in your bathtub can help to provide extra shelter for you or your family, however, its important to note that it likely won’t provide much extra. Plus, if your bathroom were to take a direct hit with you in it, there is no protection what will keep you safe in that case.
So, in short, taking shelter in your bathtub is better than nothing but if you can find a better solution, opt for that one.
How to Seek Shelter from a Tornado Outdoors
If you’re outside and there’s no shelter nearby, find a low-lying area and lie flat on the ground with your hands over your head. Do not seek shelter under a highway overpass, as this can be even more dangerous than being out in the open.
I know that folks my age (40’s-ish) were taught to shelter under overpasses, but seeking shelter under a highway overpass during a tornado is not safe and should be avoided. The overpass can act as a wind tunnel, increasing the speed and intensity of the winds and making it even more dangerous. In addition, debris can become trapped under the overpass and pose a significant hazard to those seeking shelter. Instead, find a low-lying area such as a ditch or depression and lie flat on the ground with your hands over your head. If you have something to cover your body and head with, use it. The more padding between you and debris, the better. Be aware of the potential for flash flooding and move to higher ground as soon as it is safe to do so.
Once you’re in a safe location, monitor the situation. Listen to local news and weather reports on an emergency radio to stay up to date on the tornado’s location and intensity. You can also use your phone to receive emergency alerts and notifications if you still have service.
If you’re in a group or with family members, make sure everyone is accounted for and together in the same safe location. Children and pets should be kept close and under adult supervision. It’s important to stay calm and reassure others, especially children, during a tornado emergency.
What to Do if You’re Driving and a Tornado Hits
If you’re driving and encounter a tornado, do not try to outrun it. Instead, pull over to the side of the road and seek shelter in a nearby building or low-lying area. If there’s no shelter nearby, stay in your car with your seatbelt on and your head below the windows. Cover yourself with a thick blanket or coat for extra protection. Again, do not park under a bridge or overpass, as these can be dangerous areas during a tornado.
What to Do After a Tornado
After the tornado has passed, first and foremost, take stock of yourself and the family members with you. If there are injuries, tend to them first.
Be cautious when leaving your safe location. Watch for downed power lines, broken gas lines, and other hazards. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave the area immediately and call the gas company or emergency services. Check on neighbors and others who may need assistance. If you’re able to, help others who may be injured or trapped.
If your home or property has been damaged by the tornado, take photos and document the damage for insurance purposes. Do not touch any electrical equipment or appliances that may have been damaged by the storm. Call your insurance company to report the damage and begin the claims process.
You will also want to let your friends and family who were not involved know that you’re okay as soon as you can. This can be done on Facebook my marking yourself as “okay” when prompted. Otherwise, a quick group text can let folks know without taking up a lot of time.
