Steel Safe Room

6 Things You Should Avoid During a Tornado

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. While they can occur anywhere, North America is particularly prone to their destructive power. In the US, an average of 1,000 tornadoes touch down each year, resulting in 80 fatalities, 1,500 injuries, and billions of dollars in damages.

If you need a community storm shelter in Texas, contact US Safe Rooms. 

A tornado can be a frightening event, particularly if you do not know what to do. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, it is important to be aware of what you should NOT do during a tornado. Here are some things to avoid:

1. Do not try to outrun the tornado in your car

Tornadoes can travel at speeds of up to 60 mph and are often too quick for people to outrun them. So, if you are in your car when a tornado hits, you are likely to get injured or killed. Try to find a safe place to take shelter instead. This will help you stay safe and avoid getting hurt.

2. Do not go outside to take pictures or videos of the tornado

While it may be tempting to try and get footage or images of a tornado, doing so can be very dangerous. Tornado debris can easily become airborne and hurt or kill people. If you see a tornado, seek shelter indoors in a tornado shelter.

3. Do not open your windows

Opening your windows during a tornado can cause damage to your home and allow debris to enter the building. Try to stay away from windows during a tornado, and if you are in a room with windows, close them tightly.

4. Do not use candles

Using candles can be very dangerous during a power outage caused by a tornado. If the candle is knocked over, it could start a fire. Instead, use battery-operated flashlights to see in the dark.

5. Do not go outside to help others

When a tornado hits, it can be difficult for people to know what to do. Some people may try to go outside to help others, but this can be very dangerous. If you are in a tornado-affected area, stay inside a safe room and wait for instructions from emergency personnel.

6. Do not seek shelter under a bridge

If you are in a tornado-affected area, do not seek shelter under a bridge. This can be hazardous, as bridges can collapse in a tornado. Instead, seek shelter in a sturdy building. You can also seek shelter in a vehicle, but make sure you are not in a low-lying area.

A white safe room shelter.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, there are a few things you should avoid doing. These can include staying outdoors, trying to outrun the tornado, or driving through a tornado. If you have an above-ground storm shelter in your home, please take shelter there. If you don’t have an above-ground safe room or a tornado shelter room, contact us today to get a shelter for your home.

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