What Precautions to Take During a Tornado?

Tornadoes are the most violent storms on Earth, and they can form in a matter of minutes. A storm that spawns a tornado is often called a supercell, characterized by rapidly rotating winds at its center. Supercells can create tornadoes that destroy everything in their path and leave behind nothing but rubble in their wake.

Be prepared for tornadoes by learning how to protect yourself during this extreme weather event. The longer you’re outside, the more powerful the storm becomes, the greater your chances of being struck by lightning or getting caught in a tornado. Find out the best way to stay safe during an upcoming tornado!

1. Find a Shelter

First of all, do not panic when a tornado is approaching your area because doing so could cause you to make dangerous decisions. When the storm rolls in, you need to find shelter immediately. The first step in finding shelter is to determine the safest place for you and your family.

Houses are not safe, and neither are mobile homes. The safest place to be during a tornado is an underground shelter or basement. If you live in an apartment building, go to the lobby and wait for instructions from management.

2. Stay Away from The Windows

The sound of a tornado howling in the distance can be terrifying, but what if you’re inside your home when it hits? If you’re safe in a basement, avoiding windows or other glass is critical. Tornadoes can have winds over 200 miles per hour, and a twister can be 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile wide.

If you’re in an area with a risk for tornadoes, it’s best to get away from all windows. The pressure change during a tornado can cause windows to explode outward, sending shards of glass throughout your home and possibly into those who are sheltering within.

3. Don’t Drive Fast

While it might be tempting to open up the accelerator on your car and speed down the highway when a funnel cloud appears in your rear-view mirror, this could get you killed. The idea of driving fast if you see a tornado approaching is one of the worst things you can do when trying to escape a twister. Tornadoes can swiftly change direction, lifting the vehicle and tossing it through the air, leading to severe injuries or even death.

While tornadoes can lead to destruction and loss of life, they can often be avoided by knowing what to do in advance. Unfortunately, you might not understand how to react when a tornado strikes, so we’ve got the best solution for you!

At Oklahoma Shelters, we prioritize our customers’ safety and comfort during unfavorable weather conditions by offering a diverse range of shelters and safe rooms, including concrete shelters, garage shelters, steel safe rooms, underground bunkers, community shelters, and more. Let us know your preferences, and our experts will install the perfect storm shelters for your house. Get in touch with us to learn more today!