“Random Occurrences: Tornados”

About 1,200 tornadoes are spotted every year in the United States. Tornadoes can be and are scary feats of nature’s power and strength with winds upwards of 300 mph. Being underground and away from windows and doors is the safest place when a tornado is around, but what happens if you are in a vehicle? In this blog, we will look at how to stay safe in the instance of witnessing a tornado on the road. 

The first thing you should do when you notice a tornado or one is relayed to you is to check your proximity and the direction the tornado is traveling. If you have enough time the safest option is to drive at a 90° angle away from the tornado to get to a safe structure. Inside a building and away from windows is a safer place to be than in your car. If you can, get to an underground location. 

Do not try and outrun a tornado. Tornadoes may seem like they are moving slowly, but they are moving extremely fast and can be somewhat unpredictable. Refrain from attempting to make it home, but find the closest safe building. If you are unable to get to a safe location, you will have to resort to other measures. 

Do not attempt to stay safe under overpasses or bridges. These structures create high wind tunnels that filter in flying debris that can cause serious damage and high speeds. If you find yourself in the middle of the road, exit your vehicle and go to lower ground in a ditch a good way away from your vehicle to prevent the vehicle from getting blown on top of you. Do not attempt to hide under your vehicle as this can cause a wind tunnel and could cause you to be crushed if a heavy object lands on your vehicle. Flying debris and strong winds are the most dangerous threats. If you have no lower ground to exit to, stay in your vehicle, get low, and cover your head and upper body with a blanket or coat. Having an extra blanket and or coat is also part of a good winter survival kit. 

The United States of America has the most tornadoes worldwide. With the chance of seeing a tornado in the United States being the highest, it is a good idea for us Americans to know how to navigate the occurrences of a tornado. Your physical safety should be your number one priority. Cars and belongings can be replaced, but human life can not be. In the event of a tornado, follow the words from above and get to the safest place as quickly as possible.