In our previous post we covered some common areas of concern regarding home safety during these times of national emergency. With the advent of spring and summer we now need to turn our attention to severe weather-related events, which can be most catastrophic to life and property. Tornado Season is upon us and Hurricane Season is not far off. Plan now to protect yourself should severe weather head your way.
Tornadoes can happen any time of year, but have different seasons depending on the part of the country you live in. Generally speaking the further north you live the later tornado season begins. The United States is the tornado capital of the world with more than 1,000 reported every year, resulting in thousands of injuries and on average, over 70 deaths per year, in addition to billions of dollars in property damage.
Hurricane season is generally from July to November but can vary from year to year. Injuries and deaths caused by hurricanes can vary widely due to the slower developing nature of hurricanes and advance warning systems, which allow people to seek safety before the worst wind and water events occur.
Tornadoes are primarily wind events. The winds generated by tornadoes can exceed 300mph, causing catastrophic destruction to buildings in their path. Hurricanes are both severe wind and water events, with water being the primary cause of destruction to property.
What can you do to protect yourself from the risk of tornadoes, hurricanes and other severe weather events?
First, it’s important to have current weather updates available. If enabled your cell phone can give you advance warning of severe weather in your area. Know the difference between a severe weather watch and warning. A watch means weather conditions in your area are favorable for possible tornado or other severe weather activity. A “Warning” means a tornado has been spotted in your area and you should take shelter immediately.
Before an emergency event takes place, you should have a plan worked out in advance. If at home a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) specification shelter (safe room) is the ideal solution for protecting yourself and family from the extreme winds generated by tornadoes. These safe rooms can be located above or below ground depending on your structure and available space. Safe rooms are specially hardened structures and are affixed to the ground to avoid lifting. They are designed to meet specific criteria for wind shear and impact resistance from debris, which can act as missiles in the extremely strong winds generated by a tornado.
If you are caught away from home or are not able to reach your safe room before a tornado strikes, you should go to the lowest level of your structure, such as a basement. If you don’t have a basement go to the innermost area of your home. A bathroom or inner closet may be your second-best option. Make sure you are not near any windows. Use blankets, mattresses or any other readily available items to protect yourself from flying debris. If you have a hard hat, wear it. Special note to residents of mobile home parks. You should seek shelter outside your mobile home. Mobile homes have very little wind resistance and should not be used as a shelter.
Tornadoes are quick, but very destructive weather events, however, you may be without water or power for days after a tornado, so make sure you have at least a three-day supply of food, water and emergency supplies. If you have a safe room shelter these items can be stored and available for use after the storm has passed. After a tornado has passed do check for any injured persons in your area and call for emergency responders but take care not to touch any downed power lines and stay clear of any ruptured gas lines or dangerous debris.
What is the best type of shelter?
