Weather the Storm: Tornado Safety

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

While summer does bring warm weather and clear skies, but it can also bring severe weather like Tornadoes. Every year 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S., and on average cause 60 fatalities and $400 million dollars in damage is done. Tornadoes are very dangerous, and if you don’t know how to protect yourself in a storm it can have drastic results.

Severe thunderstorms are spontaneous and can produce a tornado in minutes. That is why you must be prepared, and know what to do if you find yourself in the path of a tornado.

If possible, find cover in a basement or cellar below ground. This will protect you from the wind and debris. If you don’t have a basement or cellar find shelter in the inner most part of the building. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside of the building. Make sure to stay away from windows and doors. Once you have found your shelter find a sturdy object like a table and hide underneath it. Then cover your head and neck with your arms, and if possible find other objects to cover yourself like pillows and blankets. Helmets can be used for extra head protection.

If you are in a car, drive to the closest building to find shelter. If you can’t find shelter, pull your car to the side of the road, keep your seat belt on, and put your head below the windows. If you have any objects in your car like a blanket or jacket, use them as a cushion to protect your head. When pulling over on the side of the road do not park underneath an overpass, and never try to out run a tornado in an urban area.

If you aren't in a car and you are stuck outside, find the lowest point in the area, and lie face down with your hand over your head. Ditches are a common low point used for shelter. If you follow these tornado safety tips it can reduce your risk of injury or even death. 

Thank you for your time and attention.  Let’s make it safe this Monday.

Lucas Wertish

Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company