This year’s tornado season prediction for the united states is looking quite grim, so I decided to make this lil tornado safety post.
Difference between Warning and Watch
First you need to know the different between a tornado warning and a tornado watch.
A tornado watch means there is a potential risk for tornadoes.
A tornado warning means that server weather as bean spotted.
The real one you know to get going for is the tornado emergency which means that there is truly something heading your way. However you should respond to all of these appropriately, and if one is issued keep watch for the weather.
The calm before the storm is a real thing. The wind may die down, and the air become still. Everything might fall silent for a moment
The sky is turning dark really fast, or green, or both.
A roar similar to that of a distant freight train. Tornado’s sound like freight trains.
Fast moving and rotating clouds, especially if they’re making a funnel shape
Obviously tornado watches escalating for tornado warnings
Let’s say the tornado warning is now issued, and eventually a tornado is coming your way. What do you do? Well the situation depends on how immediate the danger is, and what your circumstances are.
First let’s start with the “average” American advice. Go to the lowest level of your home, and hopefully a basement or storm shelter.
Now if that isn’t an available option, there’s no need to fear or panic. The lowest level of your home is advised. Try an small enclosed room, with low to minimum windows, such as a bathroom, closet, or center hallway.
If you are in a mobile home GET OUT OF THERE.
WHY DOES THE UNITED STATES HAVE THESE, WHEN THEY’RE OVERPRICED ANYWAY, DEATH TRAPS, AND ITS THE COUNTRY WITH THE HIGHEST TORNADO RATES.
Let’s say there’s nowhere to go.
Go to a safe available nearby building, especially if it has a basement. However if that is still not an option lie in the nearest ditch (I know it sounds crazy but it works) and shield your head/neck with your hands
If taking shelter in a home, make sure everyone is with you. That can include pets, but if you’re in a super emergency situation it is better to leave them and get to shelter as quick as possible.
If you can get low and shield head, or body with a mattress, blanket, etc.
Doesn’t matter where you live, you should probably have an emergency kit, especially one attuned to the climate of your area. This doubles if you’re in a natural disaster prone area.
Many of those in the United States have learned lately what the consequences of not having the proper equipment on hand are.
So what should you have for a tornado?
Emergency things tailored to people of household (medical problems, etc)
If you live in a cold region also have cold safety materials too
Don’t disregard the watches, and especially the warnings. They are there for a reason, and you should really keep an eye out. You might even want to head to shelter anyway if the wind is crazy strong.
Don’t stand near windows, or be that classic midwesterner who is on their porch getting a good shot of that swirly cloud of death. I know its fun...but its not safe.
If the situation is an absolute emergency don’t take time to grab your valuable. Its devastating to lose them, I've been there, but you can replace most tiny things and not a life.
Make sure any invalid family members have their own viable tornado plan. My grandma lives in a tornado prone area, and the plan has completely changed since she’s been confined to a walker. Make sure your family members like that have a plan.
Being in a car during a tornado is not safe at all. Drive to nearest shelter, or get out and hop in that ditch.
If the tornado looks like its standing still, it’s not. That shit is heading towards you.
Always be sure to remember to cover your head, or help shield your children.
Overpasses are not safe shelter for when you’re in a car. It’s a myth, take that ditch instead if need be, or drive to a shelter.
Hiding under your car is dangerous. Tornados can drop on your car, either crushing you or sucking you up into the air along with your vehicle
Cars cannot outrun tornados
Don’t open your windows. It’s not going to stop the tornado from blowing your house over, instead it may even help it. It will allow for debris to enter your home easier, and cause the wind to be able to tear your house apart from the inside out.
It’s hit now, maybe your house was safe or not. Keep track of watches still, tornados can return, or could be apart of a tornado outbreak, meaning a second or even third tornado can hit the area.
Assume all downed lines are active and dangerous, try not to use the gas, electricity, and water til you’re sure its safe.
If you’re not home return home once it’s deemed safe
Keep aware of damaged buildings, glass, debris, etc.
If you want to and have the chance help your fellow man, lost animal, and etc. Checking on people is a kind and lifesaving thing to do, as well as securing people’s pets.
All of this from a person who lived in a tornado prone area growing up, to you.
