Disaster Planning: Survive a Tornado
A tornado is fiercely rotating column of air in contact with the surface of the earth and with the base of a cumulonimbus or cumulus cloud. There are specific weather conditions that favor the formation of a tornado. It occurs most frequently during March to August but it may also form at different times of the year. Most tornadoes form in the afternoon or in the evening. Moreover, tornadoes have wind velocities averaging 40 miles per hour but may also travel to more than 300 miles per hour.
A tornado usually lasts for five minutes and when traveling a place, can touch down different areas several times. It destroys everything in its path and may clear off trees, cars, houses as wide as 400 yards or more. The strongest tornado can leave a leave a path of destruction as wide as a mile.
In order to survive a tornado, an individual should take note of the following:
During a storm, tune in to your television or radio for weather updates. Weather authorities are in charge of warning people through the issuance of a tornado watch or tornado warning. The former is made if there is a possible tornado and the latter is issued when an actual tornado is discovered.
If you live in an area frequently visited by tornadoes, always make sure that you have an ample supply of potable water, food, clothing and medicine. Shut off your main electricity switch and your gas.
Remember to always be safe and follow warnings. Do not attempt to record the tornado on film. Do not waste precious time. Immediately proceed to your underground shelter. Save yourself and your family instead of prioritizing your properties as things happen very fast during a tornado attack.
In case you are inside your house during a tornado, proceed immediately to the lowest part, for example the basement or wine cellar. If you do not have a basement, a bath tub or a closet can be alternative hiding places. Cover yourself with a blanket or a mattress for protection against broken pieces of wood or glass.
When you are, however, outside your house during a tornado, find and hide inside an open ditch or a culvert. Tornadoes have the tendency to pick up everything that is above ground including your car. So do not attempt to use your car to escape. An underpass is also a possible hiding place.
It is also very practical to have a safe room especially when you live in areas frequented by tornadoes. These underground shelters should be accessible or integrated to your house. It should be constructed from materials that are sturdy enough to withstand the wrath of a tornado. Equip your safe room with emergency light.
Like in any other natural disasters, the best way to survive tornadoes is to remain calm. Execute all disaster plans and always heed to warnings.
