During a Tornado – Tornadoes are one of the most destructive natural disasters, capable of causing significant damage in just a matter of minutes.
Knowing how to take cover professionally during a tornado can significantly reduce your risk of injury or worse. This guide covers key steps to ensure your safety and outlines professional practices for taking cover during a tornado.
read also: Staple Foods to Prepare When a Storm Disaster Is Approaching
Understanding Tornado Warnings
The first step in protecting yourself during a tornado is understanding the warning system. Tornadoes can strike with little warning, so it’s essential to know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning:
- Tornado Watch: This means that weather conditions are favorable for a tornado to form. Stay alert and be prepared to take shelter.
- Tornado Warning: This indicates that a tornado has been sighted or detected on radar. Immediate action is necessary—take cover right away.
Identify Safe Shelter Areas
When a tornado warning is issued, your safety depends on how quickly you can move to a protected area. These are the best places to take cover:
1. Basements
A basement is the safest place to be during a tornado because it is underground and away from the tornado’s destructive winds. If your home has a basement, move there as soon as a tornado warning is announced.
2. Storm Shelters
Professional storm shelters or safe rooms are specifically designed to withstand high winds and flying debris. These are often reinforced with steel and concrete, making them ideal for tornado protection. If you live in a tornado-prone area, consider installing a storm shelter in your home or backyard.
3. Interior Rooms
If you don’t have access to a basement or storm shelter, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home. Good options include a bathroom, closet, or hallway, as long as they are away from windows. The key is to put as many walls between you and the tornado as possible.
4. Mobile Homes
Mobile homes are extremely unsafe during disaster, even if they are tied down. If you are in a mobile home, leave immediately and seek shelter in a more secure building or storm shelter. If no safe shelter is available, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area, covering your head.
Preparing for a Tornado
1. Create an Emergency Plan
Having a clear tornado emergency plan is essential. This plan should include identifying safe areas, communicating with family members, and practicing tornado drills. Make sure everyone in your household knows where to go and what to do in the event of a tornado.
2. Build an Emergency Kit
Prepare a tornado emergency kit that includes essential supplies such as:
- Water and non-perishable food
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Portable phone chargers
- Weather radio
- Personal identification and important documents
Store your kit in your designated safe area to ensure it is readily available when needed.
Taking Cover: Professional Techniques
1. Get Low
When taking cover, it’s crucial to get as low to the ground as possible. Tornadoes create dangerous debris that can fly through the air at high speeds. By lying low, you reduce your exposure to debris.
2. Protect Your Head
Head injuries are one of the leading causes of death during disaster, so protect your head and neck by covering them with your arms, a helmet, or a thick blanket. If possible, use a mattress, heavy cushions, or sturdy furniture to shield yourself.
3. Stay Away from Windows
Never take cover near windows, as tornado winds can shatter glass and send dangerous shards flying through the air. Close windows and cover them if time permits, but your priority should be getting to a safe area.
4. Avoid Elevators
If you live in a multi-story building, do not use the elevator to reach the lowest level. Elevators can fail during power outages, trapping you inside. Instead, use the stairs to move to a safe area quickly.
5. Take Cover in Your Car (as a Last Resort)
If you are driving when a tornado strikes and cannot reach a safe building, follow these steps:
- Do not seek shelter under an overpass, as the wind speeds can be stronger in these areas.
- Park your car, leave the engine running so airbags will still function, and keep your seatbelt fastened.
- Crouch low in your seat and cover your head with your arms, jacket, or a blanket to protect yourself from debris.
- If possible, leave your car and lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area, covering your head.
What to Avoid During a Tornado
1. Do Not Stay in Mobile Homes
As mentioned earlier, mobile homes are unsafe during disaster. Even if your mobile home is tied down, it cannot withstand the force of this disaster winds. Evacuate immediately to a storm shelter or a sturdy building.
2. Do Not Open Windows
A common myth is that opening windows will equalize pressure and prevent a disaster from destroying your home. This is not true. Opening windows allows dangerous winds and debris into your home, increasing the risk of injury.
3. Do Not Attempt to Outrun a Tornado
If you are caught on the road, do not try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction suddenly and move faster than you can drive. Seek shelter in a sturdy building or find a low-lying area to lie flat.
After the Tornado
Once the tornado has passed, there are still important steps to take to ensure your safety:
1. Listen for Updates
Use a weather radio or your phone to monitor weather updates. Do not leave your shelter until officials have declared the area safe.
2. Watch for Hazards
Be aware of hazards such as downed power lines, gas leaks, and damaged buildings. Avoid entering heavily damaged areas until they have been inspected by professionals.
3. Check on Neighbors
If it is safe to do so, check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled. They may need assistance in the aftermath of the storm.
4. Seek Medical Attention
If you or anyone in your household has sustained injuries, seek medical attention immediately. Head injuries, in particular, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Taking cover professionally during a tornado can save your life. By understanding disaster warnings, identifying safe shelters, and practicing proper cover techniques, you can protect yourself and your family from the dangers of a this disaster. Remember, preparation is key—create an emergency plan, build a tornado kit, and always be ready to act quickly when a tornado strikes.
