Equally feared and intriguing for their reckless power, tornadoes are the object of much discussion. More than one thousand tornadoes spiral across American soil every year, obliterating shopping malls and RV parks while perversely jumping over abandoned gas stations and leaving untouched one random house in the middle of a destroyed block. There is one thing that is certain: You don't want to be wondering how to save yourself when the radio's issuing warnings and a sound like a freight train rises in the distance. Here's a brief guide on how to prepare for and react to a tornado and we also address some common tornado myths.
Steps that might save your life
Get moving. At the first warning of a tornado near you, or if you hear a sound like a freight train or spot whirling cloud in the sky, jump into action. Consider yearly tornado drills for your family. Every moment counts.
If outside, get down low to the ground and stay there. If you see a stable building in close proximity, head into the basement. If that isn't an option, find a ditch or low area and lie face down. If there isn't a low-lying area near, get away from trees, lie flat on the ground with your face down and protect the back of your head with your arms. Whatever you do, get away from your car, since it may become a wind-hurled projectile.
If in a public place, follow the drill. If you don't know the plan and no one's in charge, get away from windows, get low and cover up.
If at home, get to a safe area immediately. Your safe area should be low to the ground, such as in the basement and away from any windows or glass. Get under your staircase or a stable table, and cover up yourself with a sleeping bag, a mattress, blankets or anything that offers protection from haphazard debris. If you don't have one a basement (or can't get to one) go to a small room, such as a bathroom, hallway or closet– near the center of the lowest floor and stay there. Crouch down and cover your head.
Have a storm package that includes: three gallons of water for each person, first aid items, a flashlight, a radio and extra batteries. Keep this in your house's safe area (described below).
Stay informed. Tune into local TV, radio or NOAA Weather Radio and listen for warnings. If possible, keep a radio or TV in your shelter area so you'll know what's going on outside your safe area.
For more information on tornadoes and tornado safety, visit the NOAA Storm Prediction Center site. Or read the American Red Cross recommendations.
Myths that put you in danger or waste your precious time
Don't park underneath an overpass. Not only are they not a good shelter, past experience shows they can be more caustic than just being in an open area. This is because the overpass can create a "wind tunnel" effect, which drive debris underneath the pass or sucks you into the open ground. From the strength of the twister, the overpass could even fall and be destroyed. The safest idea is to get underneath a real shelter or crawl into a low area on the ground.
Don't automatically go to the southwest area of your safe room. Actually, most tornadoes approach from the southwest, and it's usually a better idea to be away from the approaching tornado.
Don't open all of your windows. While it's often believed that you'll keep your house from exploding due to air pressure, this has never been confirmed. You're more likely to be endangered by the broken glass than have your house explode.
Don't light candles or matches, especially after the storm has passed as gas lines may have ruptured.
Always use flashlights instead.
