According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the US faces the most tornadoes in the world. Knowing what to do during a national emergency is important to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Unfortunately, much of what people know is based on popular myths.
In this blog, we will debunk some tornado myths and discuss how tornado shelters can help during such situations.
1. Opening windows balances the pressure
Open windows allow strong winds to enter your house and get trapped, forcing them to destroy important structures like the roof and causing the walls to collapse. During a tornado, the safest option is to run to a safe spot without wasting any time. Look for a spot without any windows or openings to protect yourself.
2. Seek shelter under an overpass
An overpass seems like a sheltered area, but tornadoes gain momentum under such structures. Seeking shelter beneath an overpass will have you stuck in accelerated tornado winds and reduce your chances of survival.
Lying down flat in a lowered area keeps from winds getting around you. Strong tornado winds lift objects and toss them around, and lying down flat means stopping that from happening.
3. You can outrun a tornado
Simply put, you can’t! If you see a fast-approaching tornado, seek shelter in a house or a room without any windows or lie flat on the ground with your head covered. Although most tornadoes travel slower than 50 mph, changing your route is the best survival strategy.
4. Water bodies are safe from tornado winds
Waterspouts are tornadoes formed over water bodies. A tornado will simply cross a water body and change forms when it hits land again. A house near a river will not protect you or your loved ones. When a storm hits, everyone is advised to take precautions.
5. Tornadoes are shaped like funnels
Tornadoes extend from a cloud base to a land surface. While strong winds whirl in a funnel shape to form a tornado, many dangerous surrounding winds go unnoticed. Individuals should seek shelter even if the tornado seems distant to protect themselves from the surrounding winds, strong enough to throw debris and items their way.
Keeping windows shut, turning to a safe room shelter for protection, and keeping away from spots like overpasses are key points to remember to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Protect Yourself With Storm Safe Rooms!
Safe Rooms US is a storm safe room provider. We offer multiple safe room sizes and facilities according to your needs and specifications. Our main products include custom safe rooms like concrete shelters, underground garage shelters, and underground bunkers. We offer steel tornado shelters in Fort Worth and nearby areas.
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