Tornadoes are one of the most destructive and unpredictable forces of nature. With their devastating winds and potential for destruction, it’s no wonder a tornado can leave a path of destruction in its wake. Surviving a tornado is no easy feat and requires knowledge, preparation, and luck. Whether you live in an area prone to tornadoes or are simply curious, this comprehensive survival guide provides the information you need to know to survive a tornado. From what to do before, during, and after a tornado, to understanding how to prepare and the best safety measures to take, this guide is full of essential information to help you stay safe. Don’t let a tornado catch you off guard – read on to learn how to survive a tornado.
Can You Survive A Tornado?
The short answer is yes, you can survive a tornado. However, it is essential to know what to do to protect yourself. First and foremost, stay away from the eye of the tornado. This is where the winds are strongest, and the damage will be most significant. If you must shelter in place, make sure to do so in a basement or an interior room on the lowest level possible. If no shelter is available, try to find a sturdy object that can act as a shield from the wind and hold your ground. Remember, stay calm and obey instructions from emergency personnel.
What Is A Tornado?
A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm. These columns of air can extend for miles, bringing damaging winds and heavy rain, hail, and even tornadoes with them. There are five different types of tornadoes: – A landspout is a weak rotating column of air that does not extend to the Earth’s surface. – A waterspout is a type of tornado that forms over water, either from a storm on land or over water. – A gustnado is a weak rotating column of air that doesn’t extend to the ground. – A Wall cloud is a large, rotating column of air that often accompanies tornadoes. It extends upward but not to the ground. – A funnel cloud is a visible rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm or a cumulonimbus cloud. It is the first stage of a tornado.
Tornado Statistics
- Tornadoes kill more people than any other weather event.
- There are an average of 300 tornadoes annually in the United States.
- Tornadoes cause more damage than any other weather event.
- Tornadoes are most common in the Midwest and Southeast United States.
- A tornado can form in any part of the United States but is most common in the Great Plains and the Midwest.
- A tornado can last several minutes but is typically short-lived (lasting less than 10 minutes).
- A tornado typically moves forward at speeds of up to 160 miles per hour (260 kilometers per hour).
- Tornadoes can cause damage in a wide range of scales, from minor injuries to fatalities and devastating damage to homes and businesses.
- Tornado warnings are issued when a tornado is likely, but not confirmed.
- If you see a tornado, stay away from it and take shelter if possible.
What To Do Before A Tornado?
- Get away from the storm if possible. If you are caught in the storm, seek shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest level possible.
- Warn others about your location and the danger posed by the storm.
- If you are outside during a tornado, move to an area protected from flying debris.
- Stay away from windows that could be broken by flying objects.
- Avoid using the telephone during a tornado.
- Do not cross streets during a tornado.
- Stay away from downed power lines and trees so the wind can blow down.
- If you are inside and there is a tornado warning, stay inside until the warning is canceled or until you are instructed to leave by emergency personnel.
- If you are in your home with a tornado warning, go to an interior room on the lowest level possible and protect yourself from flying debris with sturdy objects like furniture.
- If you are outside with a tornado warning, seek shelter in a sturdy building.
- If there is an emergency and you cannot take cover in a building, find a spot out of the way and hold your ground until the danger has passed.
- Remember, stay calm and obey instructions from emergency personnel.
What To Do During A Tornado?
- Get away from the tornado. If possible, get inside a sturdy building or underground.
- If you are outside, stay away from trees and power lines. These are the most common targets of tornadoes.
- If you are inside a building, avoid windows and heavy objects that could fall on you.
- Stay calm and obey instructions from emergency personnel.
- If you are in a car, keep the windows rolled up and drive to a safe location as quickly as possible.
- If you are in a shelter, only attempt to leave once authorities tell you it is safe.
- Do not touch anything that is on fire or has been hit by a tornado – these objects may contain dangerous chemicals that could hurt you.
- Avoid open areas where tornadoes may occur – these areas will be filled with debris and dangerous weather conditions.
- If you are in an area that has been hit by a tornado, do not try to go outside. Stay inside until authorities tell you it is safe to do so.
- If you are injured during a tornado, do not move – seek medical help as soon as possible.
- If you are driving and see a tornado, pull over as quickly as possible and get out of the car.
- If you are in a car and see a tornado, do not open the door – stay inside the car.
- If you are inside a building, avoid windows and heavy objects that could fall on you.
- If you are outside and see a tornado, get to the lowest floor possible and crouch down.
- If you are outdoors and see a tornado, cover under sturdy objects – such as a sturdy tree or building – and hold on for as long as possible.
Final Words
Tornadoes are unpredictable and can happen at any time. While you can’t prevent tornadoes from happening, you can take steps to prepare for them and increase your chances of survival. From stocking your home with emergency supplies and creating a family preparedness plan to knowing what to do before, during, and after a tornado, this comprehensive survival guide has everything you need to know to stay safe. Don’t let a tornado catch you off guard – read on to learn how to survive a tornado.
