A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm cloud to the ground, posing an immediate and extreme danger. These powerful weather events can generate wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour, causing catastrophic damage to structures. Understanding the threat requires clear, actionable steps to quickly identify the safest shelter location.
Finding Shelter in Houses and Permanent Buildings
The safest location within any structure with a foundation is always underground, such as a basement or a dedicated storm cellar. This subterranean space offers a protective layer of earth and the structure’s foundation. Utilizing this area significantly reduces the risk of injury from structural collapse, which is the leading cause of fatalities in a tornado. This safe area should be designated and cleared well before any severe weather threat approaches.
If a basement is unavailable, the next best option is to seek refuge on the lowest floor of the building. You must locate a small, interior room, a closet, or a hallway that is centrally positioned within the structure. The goal is to place as many walls and as much distance as possible between yourself and the building’s exterior. These inner areas are generally the last parts of a structure to fail during extreme wind events.
Stay completely away from all exterior doors and windows, as they are the most vulnerable points in a structure. Windows can shatter violently, creating a hail of glass shards. Large, open spaces like gymnasiums, auditoriums, or hallways with high ceilings should also be avoided. Their roofs are susceptible to lift and collapse, compromising the structural integrity quickly under intense wind shear.
Once the lowest, most interior location is secured, the focus must shift to shielding the body from impact injuries caused by flying debris. Items like broken furniture and household objects become dangerous projectiles, even in a basement. Utilize a thick mattress, heavy blankets, or a sleeping bag to cover your head and torso. Wearing a bicycle helmet or similar protective head covering can significantly reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury from falling objects.
The final step involves crouching low to the floor, preferably under a sturdy piece of furniture like a heavy workbench or stairwell. Avoid sheltering under items that are likely to collapse downward, such as a fireplace or a chimney stack. Remaining low and protected from above maximizes the chance of surviving the intense but brief period of the tornado’s passage.
Immediate Action for High-Risk Structures and Open Areas
Mobile homes and manufactured housing offer virtually no protection against tornado-strength winds and must be evacuated immediately upon receiving a warning. These structures lack the necessary anchoring and frame reinforcement to withstand the uplift forces generated by a severe storm. The single most important action is to seek shelter in a designated community storm shelter or a nearby permanent building with a concrete foundation.
If there is absolutely no time to reach a sturdy building, you must leave the mobile home and lie flat in the nearest low-lying area. Seek a ditch, culvert, or ravine that is significantly lower than the surrounding terrain and away from the path of the home itself. The goal is to minimize exposure to wind and any debris created by the home’s destruction.
Never attempt to outrun a tornado in a vehicle, as tornadoes move erratically and at speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour. Vehicles can easily be lifted, tumbled, or struck by debris, turning them into severe hazards. If a tornado is visible and close, and a sturdy building is not accessible, pull over and abandon the car.
After leaving the vehicle, or if caught in an open field, quickly find the lowest piece of ground available, such as a ditch, culvert, or ravine. Lie flat on your stomach, covering your head and neck with your hands or any available material. This low position minimizes your profile against the wind and protects you from wind-driven debris.
It is a common misconception that seeking shelter under a highway overpass or bridge provides safety. These structures can actually create a dangerous wind-tunnel effect, increasing the speed of the air flowing through the limited space. Furthermore, overpasses offer no protection from fast-moving, horizontal debris and can collapse, making them highly unsafe locations during a severe weather event.
Essential Safety Gear and Advanced Planning
Preparing your safe room involves having certain items ready to maximize protection once you arrive at the designated location. Before the storm hits, put on sturdy, hard-soled shoes and a protective helmet to safeguard against debris and head injuries. Securing a NOAA weather radio is important, as it provides continuous, battery-powered alerts even if power or cell service is lost. A small, portable emergency kit containing a flashlight, fresh water, a first-aid kit, and identification documents should be kept within easy reach. Advanced planning also includes securing or moving heavy outdoor items, such as patio furniture or grills, which can become dangerous, wind-borne projectiles.