With approximately 1,000 tornadoes touching down each year, the United States leads the world in tornado activity. While the majority of these tornadoes occur in the area known as “Tornado Alley,” they can, and do, happen all over the country. Whether you’re in your home or in the car, a tornado can hit at any time, do you have an action plan in place? Check out these tips from Trust Choice to help keep you and your family safe.
Stay Safe During a Tornado
While securing your personal belongings and valuables is important- protecting yourself and your family should be your top priority when a tornado watch is in effect. Your family should have a plan in place so that you can quickly find shelter, particularly if you live in a vulnerable structure such as a mobile home. You should also pre-designate a place to meet up after the storm in the event that you are separated.
Basements and storm cellars are the safest places to wait out a tornado. If shelter below ground is not available, go to the lowest floor possible and seek protection a bathroom, closet or other interior room far from windows and as close to the center of the house as possible.
Conventional wisdom holds that opening windows helps by equalizing pressure in the house. This is no longer advised, however, as doing so allows damaging debris to enter your home.
If you see a tornado touch down while you are in your car, do not try to out-drive it, particularly if you are in an urban or congested area. Instead, exit your vehicle and, if possible, find a sturdy building or storm cellar to take shelter in. If none is available, lie down in a low, flat area, such as a ditch, and cover your head until the tornado passes. Do not go underneath a bridge or overpass as this is extremely dangerous.
*Our hearts are with Nashville through this difficult time.
