Tornadoes cause millions of dollars in damage each year to property in the United States. Fortunately, there are usually few fatalities. This is almost always because people know the proper safety precautions for tornadoes.
If a driver sees a tornado, they should stop immediately and find a ditch to lie down.
Flying debris is the number one killer when a tornado strikes. Therefore, the first safety precaution is to enter a solid building, away from windows. A storm shelter is always preferable, but if one is not available, the person should go to an interior room on the lowest level of the building. The idea is to put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Indoor closets or bathrooms are good places to hide.
A cellar or basement can be used when seeking protection from a tornado.
It is always good to carry a pillow or a bicycle or motorcycle helmet to protect your head. The person must also put on the shoes. This is because strong winds from a tornado can blow through the window and the person may have to walk over broken glass or other debris after the storm passes.
Drivers caught in tornado storms, or who see a tornado, should stop and find a ditch or ravine to lie down. A dry sewer with some shelter is also good. A popular TV show had storm chasers hiding under an overpass, but this is a bad idea because the winds can blow someone out from under the structure and a direct hit can destroy them. Somewhere below ground level is always a preferable shelter. Don’t try to drive faster than the storm is moving. A driver should always seek shelter rather than trying to run from the storm.
Mobile homes are death traps and should be vacated as soon as possible. They are particularly prone to being overturned and torn apart by the twisting winds of a tornado, and more deaths occur in mobile homes than in any other type of structure. People in office buildings should follow the rule of going to the center of the building, on the lowest floor, away from windows. A gym or any room with a large unsupported ceiling should also be vacated. These buildings are subject to roof loss in a tornado.
A tornado is a dangerous storm and should never be taken lightly. However, except in cases of an extremely violent tornado, following common sense safety precautions will almost always limit injuries and prevent deaths.