Tornado Safety: What Everyone Needs To Know To Stay Safe During A Tornado
Tornado Safety 101
Tornado safety is not a subject many people dig into unless they live in areas commonly affected by tornadoes. However, tornado safety is important for everyone. Although tornados may not be common in certain areas, they can pretty much develop anywhere and just because your town hasn’t seen a tornado in the past fifty years, doesn’t mean one won’t come barreling through tomorrow.
It’s No Laughing Matter
Although the popular movie The Wizard of Oz somewhat glamorized tornados, tornado safety is not a matter to take lightly. Knowing what to do and how to act when a natural disaster such as a tornado strikes can very well translate into staying safe and making it through alive. While it might be cliché, “be prepared” is certainly the best bit of advice to offer when it comes to tornados.
Understanding a “Watch” and a “Warning”
There are differences between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. If you don’t already know the differences between these terms, you absolutely must familiarize yourself with them.
When the weather service issues a tornado watch, it simply means that there is a possibility of a tornado developing due to the current weather conditions. However, if a tornado warning is issued, seek out safe shelter immediately because a tornado isn’t just a possibility – it’s already developed and it could be heading straight for you.
Know Where To Go
It is important to have a designated area to go to that can serve as a tornado shelter. It’s best if the area is underground, such as a basement or a custom tornado shelter, but if you don’t have a basement or a tornado shelter, you should find out of there are any public tornado shelters located right by you or you should plan on seeking shelter in an interior room in your home.