This post is part 2 of our 2 part series on Severe Weather Safety and Preparedness, with a focus on where and when to seek shelter during severe weather. You can see part 1, concerning the creation of your own Severe Weather Safety Kit, here.
Whenever a Severe Thunderstorm or a Tornado Warning is issued for your area by the National Weather Service (NWS), its a good idea to have a plan in place so that you can react to the situation both quickly and calmly.
While many situations will be different in some ways, hopefully this will give you some thought starters or "ground rules" to keep you safe during severe weather.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means that a severe thunderstorm has been observed or is indicated by radar. By definition, a severe thunderstorm is one that produces either of the following (or both): hail of 1 inch in diameter (roughly the size of a quarter) or larger and wind gusts of 58 mph or higher.
In a situation involving 1 inch hail and/or 58 mph winds, there's probably little more that you need to do other than to stay indoors and away from windows until the storm passes. If you are caught outdoors in such a situation (i.e., at a carnival or other outdoor event), it would be better to seek shelter in your car (assuming no other substantial structure is available) rather than to remain outside and exposed to the elements. I strongly suggest that you do the same if you are outdoors in a tent (including a carnival tent) or other weakly secured structure that may not be able to withstand strong, gusty winds of 60-70 mph.
Listen for the "buzz" words, though, and be prepared to take more significant sheltering action if any of the following kinds of statements (known as a "call to action statement") are included in the warning:
"This is a particularly dangerous situation..." This wording is typically followed by a specific size of hail (i.e., tennis ball or larger) and/or a specific range of wind speeds (i.e., 70-80 mph) that can be expected with this particular storm. If you live in the path of such a storm, it would probably be a good idea to go ahead and take tornado shelter precautions (see that section further below) just to be on the safe side. An example of "enhanced wording" in a severe thunderstorm is below:
Another "call to action statement" to listen / watch for in a severe thunderstorm warning is: "severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes with little or no advanced warning..." This line is often inserted into a Severe Thunderstorm Warning when the meteorologist issuing the warning is seeing signs that the storm may produce a tornado, but there is not yet enough evidence to support the formal issuance of a warning. If you live in the path of such a storm, I would again suggest that you go ahead and take tornado shelter precautions (see that section further below) just to be on the safe side.
Another very important thing to keep in mind is that severe thunderstorm warnings are not issued for lightning. With over 25 million lightning strikes each year in the U.S., its no surprise that lightning is among the top killers. Just using plain old "common sense" should keep you safe in lightning situations. If you're outside, by all means, get inside, whether that be a building or a car. Cars actually offer great lightning protection. In most cases, if lightning were to directly strike a car, the charge would be carried down through the tires and back safely into the ground.
If you're caught outdoors and observe lightning in the distance, just use the old "flash - bang" rule to figure out how close you are to the danger. As soon as you see the flash, start counting (one, one-thousand, two, one-thousand...) until you hear the thunder, then stop. Take the number of seconds that you counted and divide by 5 and that's roughly how far the lightning strike was from you - in miles. For example, if you counted to 5, divided by 5, that means that the lightning strike was about 1 mile away.
Whenever a Severe Thunderstorm or a Tornado Warning is issued for your area by the National Weather Service (NWS), its a good idea to have a plan in place so that you can react to the situation both quickly and calmly.
While many situations will be different in some ways, hopefully this will give you some thought starters or "ground rules" to keep you safe during severe weather.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means that a severe thunderstorm has been observed or is indicated by radar. By definition, a severe thunderstorm is one that produces either of the following (or both): hail of 1 inch in diameter (roughly the size of a quarter) or larger and wind gusts of 58 mph or higher.
In a situation involving 1 inch hail and/or 58 mph winds, there's probably little more that you need to do other than to stay indoors and away from windows until the storm passes. If you are caught outdoors in such a situation (i.e., at a carnival or other outdoor event), it would be better to seek shelter in your car (assuming no other substantial structure is available) rather than to remain outside and exposed to the elements. I strongly suggest that you do the same if you are outdoors in a tent (including a carnival tent) or other weakly secured structure that may not be able to withstand strong, gusty winds of 60-70 mph.
Listen for the "buzz" words, though, and be prepared to take more significant sheltering action if any of the following kinds of statements (known as a "call to action statement") are included in the warning:
"This is a particularly dangerous situation..." This wording is typically followed by a specific size of hail (i.e., tennis ball or larger) and/or a specific range of wind speeds (i.e., 70-80 mph) that can be expected with this particular storm. If you live in the path of such a storm, it would probably be a good idea to go ahead and take tornado shelter precautions (see that section further below) just to be on the safe side. An example of "enhanced wording" in a severe thunderstorm is below:
Another "call to action statement" to listen / watch for in a severe thunderstorm warning is: "severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes with little or no advanced warning..." This line is often inserted into a Severe Thunderstorm Warning when the meteorologist issuing the warning is seeing signs that the storm may produce a tornado, but there is not yet enough evidence to support the formal issuance of a warning. If you live in the path of such a storm, I would again suggest that you go ahead and take tornado shelter precautions (see that section further below) just to be on the safe side.
Remember - warnings are not issued for lightning!
Another very important thing to keep in mind is that severe thunderstorm warnings are not issued for lightning. With over 25 million lightning strikes each year in the U.S., its no surprise that lightning is among the top killers. Just using plain old "common sense" should keep you safe in lightning situations. If you're outside, by all means, get inside, whether that be a building or a car. Cars actually offer great lightning protection. In most cases, if lightning were to directly strike a car, the charge would be carried down through the tires and back safely into the ground.
If you're caught outdoors and observe lightning in the distance, just use the old "flash - bang" rule to figure out how close you are to the danger. As soon as you see the flash, start counting (one, one-thousand, two, one-thousand...) until you hear the thunder, then stop. Take the number of seconds that you counted and divide by 5 and that's roughly how far the lightning strike was from you - in miles. For example, if you counted to 5, divided by 5, that means that the lightning strike was about 1 mile away.
A Tornado Warning is issued whenever a tornado has been observed on the ground or is indicated by radar (i.e., a debris signature is indicated). Such a warning can also be issued when the radar indicates that tornado development is imminent (i.e., a strong rotational signature is detected at low levels of the atmosphere).
Without a doubt, the best protection from a tornado is an underground storm shelter (like the one shown below) or a basement. If you choose the basement option, make sure to get underneath the stairs, under a sturdy workbench, or some other type of reinforced structure if possible (to prevent injury in the event that debris falls into the basement from above).
Underground storm shelters offer the best protection
If you don't have an underground sheltering option, a tornado "saferoom" is an excellent alternative. Tornado saferooms, like the one pictured below, are designed to withstand fierce tornado winds. They can be easily installed in an existing garage, or in new construction can be built right into a closet, bathroom, etc.
Example of a tornado saferoom installed in a garage
In addition, if you don't have stairs or another reinforced and/or sturdy structure to get underneath in the basement, you may also want to consider installing a saferoom in there as well. A saferoom had been installed in Sam's basement in Joplin (see this very popular post) and it saved his life from debris that fell into the basement during the devastating tornado that took place there this past May.
Before purchasing a tornado saferoom, make sure the dealer / builder you are working with installs / builds only those units that are certified by Texas Tech Wind Science & Engineering and/or the NSSA (National Storm Shelter Association).
If you don't have an underground shelter, basement, or tornado saferoom option, your best bet is to get to the most interior room possible in your home or business. The idea here is to put as many walls between yourself and the tornado as possible. The closet in the photo below was the only "room" left standing in this particular home that was struck by a tornado in Alabama earlier this year. This is a scene that we see unfold time and time again across the country each year with most of your average tornado situations:
Small, interior rooms offer good protection
Centrally located bathrooms offer even better protection, as the pipes running through the walls offer additional structural support. Also, in the bathroom, you can get into the bathtub and cover yourself with a mattress or other object to protect you from any flying and/or falling debris.
**A new guideline for 2012: Regardless of where you seek shelter, I highly recommend that you wear a crash helmet of some sort. This could make a big difference if debris were to fall down on your head. I know it may sound silly, but I am serious. Post-storm interviews with emergency physicians and surgeons in both the Joplin area and the Tuscaloosa/Birmingham tornado areas of last year indicate that a majority of the tragic deaths were the result of blunt force trauma, typically to the head.
Ready to head to the basement - helmet and all!
**Also new for 2012: If you have an infant child, I highly recommend strapping them into a car seat before heading to shelter as well. We may not like to think about it, but according to post storm studies in Alabama, 14 of 21 people that tragically died while inside of their homes in Jefferson County in April 2011 were found "in debris a considerable distance away", which indicates that they were airborne for some period of time.
A small child is no match for being thrown about by a tornado. Being inside of a car seat that provides additional support and cushioning from impact (similar to the performance we'd expect from a car seat in a vehicle crash), very well could mean the difference between injury (even if serious) and death.
Also, please note, I couldn't find a picture of an infant in a car seat that was also wearing a crash helmet, but that would ultimately be the safest route to take when sheltering, if possible.
If you live in a mobile home, the best advice during a tornado situation is to get out, and get out fast! This has been a point of debate on the blog from time to time, however there is no question in my mind (after 25 plus years of seeing damage in person, in pictures and on video) that you are more likely to survive a tornado laying flat in a ditch outside as compared to staying inside a mobile home.
Mobile homes don't stand a chance against a tornado
Obviously, an underground storm shelter or other type of tornado saferoom would be the best sheltering bet in a mobile home situation (and many parks offer such a shelter), however if either of these options aren't available, I suggest that you seek shelter in a ditch or other lowering. Lay as flat on the ground as possible and cover yourself with a blanket, mattress or the like to prevent being injured by flying debris.
Get as flat as possible in a ditch
Another good idea if you live in a mobile home without sheltering options would be to have another place lined up (like a friend or relative's house, etc.) where you can stay for a few hours during a Tornado Watch (the precursor to a Tornado Warning). That way if a warning is issued for your area you can seek a safe shelter and not potentially be caught outdoors.
I am often asked about where you should seek shelter in an apartment building during a tornado situation. You'd generally want to treat an apartment, office building, etc., the same way. If a shelter area has not already been pre-designated (look for signs like the one below), take cover in an interior room on the lowest floor (like the closet or bathroom example that we gave when in your home). Again, the idea is to put as many walls between yourself and the tornado as possible.
Look for the signs at work or school
If you're out and about in your vehicle, at a campground, an outdoor show or carnival, etc., and a tornado is approaching the immediate area, you'd generally want to follow the same guidelines that we suggested for mobile home situations. If a formal shelter is not available, take refuge in a ditch or other low-lying area, staying as close to the ground as possible and try to cover your head to protect yourself from flying debris. Never try to outrun a tornado in your vehicle, as it can be very easy to misjudge the tornado's movement and speed.
Special Note About Nighttime Severe Weather:
Severe weather can be especially dangerous at night when folks are sleeping. If you are getting ready to turn-in for the night and live in an area that is under a Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Watch (which are the precursors to a warning), make sure that you have a way to receive any warnings that may be issued for your area during the overnight hours.
A NOAA Weather Radio with a battery back-up is an excellent option. Another method of receiving warnings at night would be to download and/or subscribe to a smartphone or text application that will notify you of a severe weather warning for your area. I am currently evaluating a couple of popular smartphone apps and will post a review before the primary 2012 severe weather season gets underway.
Most importantly, never, ever rely on outdoor tornado warning sirens to receive a warning (unless you are outdoors, of course). As the name implies, they are designed for warning people that are outside - not inside. Depending on your proximity to the nearest siren, the amount of background and/or outside noise, etc., you may not be able to hear it and it certainly may not wake you at night. Take the safe route and purchase a NOAA Weather Radio or look into an application or text notification service for your cellphone.
I hope that the above tips will help you plan out your best sheltering options before severe weather threatens your area. Again, its better to have a plan in place before the event happens, that way you are less likely to panic and more likely to remain safe until threatening weather passes!
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