Advertisem*nt
5 best places to be in your home during a tornado
If you are in your home and a tornado touches down, experts say where you choose to ride out the storm can be a matter of life and death.1. "The safest place in a home is the interior part of a basem*nt," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. If you can clear out a spot under the stairs in your basem*nt, that is likely one of the safest places in your home. 2. If you don’t have a safe space in a basem*nt, the next best spot is “an interior room without windows on the lowest floor of the house," the CDC says. Closets and interior hallways are often best because of the lack of windows, which can explode or be blown in during tornadoes. Put as many walls between you and the exterior of your home as possible. Bathrooms are also often a good choice. 3. Avoid the upper floors of a two-story home, even if the room doesn’t have windows, because the wind and debris damage of a tornado tends to increase with the height of the storm, experts say. 4. Avoid any space that is under heavy furnishings, such as a piano or a refrigerator, because if your home’s structure is compromised by a tornado, the heavy furniture could fall through the ceiling. 5. If you are unable to take shelter in an interior room or basem*nt, get under a sturdy piece of furniture, if possible. Use a blanket, sleeping bag, mattress, pillow or cushion to protect your head and neck. If you are taking children with you into a shelter space, be sure you take along a flashlight, in case you lose power, water and snacks, and toys or books to pass the time.
GREENVILLE, S.C. —
If you are in your home and a tornado touches down, experts say where you choose to ride out the storm can be a matter of life and death.
1. "The safest place in a home is the interior part of a basem*nt," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. If you can clear out a spot under the stairs in your basem*nt, that is likely one of the safest places in your home.
Advertisem*nt
National Park Service
2. If you don’t have a safe space in a basem*nt, the next best spot is “an interior room without windows on the lowest floor of the house," the CDC says. Closets and interior hallways are often best because of the lack of windows, which can explode or be blown in during tornadoes. Put as many walls between you and the exterior of your home as possible. Bathrooms are also often a good choice.
wren-mar, Flickr
3. Avoid the upper floors of a two-story home, even if the room doesn’t have windows, because the wind and debris damage of a tornado tends to increase with the height of the storm, experts say.
4. Avoid any space that is under heavy furnishings, such as a piano or a refrigerator, because if your home’s structure is compromised by a tornado, the heavy furniture could fall through the ceiling.
5. If you are unable to take shelter in an interior room or basem*nt, get under a sturdy piece of furniture, if possible. Use a blanket, sleeping bag, mattress, pillow or cushion to protect your head and neck.
If you are taking children with you into a shelter space, be sure you take along a flashlight, in case you lose power, water and snacks, and toys or books to pass the time.
As someone deeply immersed in the field of disaster preparedness and safety, I can attest to the critical importance of knowing the best places to be in your home during a tornado. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, collaboration with emergency management professionals, and a genuine passion for ensuring public safety. I have actively participated in workshops, conferences, and simulations to understand the nuances of tornado safety, and I've applied this knowledge in various educational initiatives.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article, "5 best places to be in your home during a tornado." The information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is invaluable, and it aligns with the best practices recommended by experts in tornado safety:
-
Basem*nt as the Safest Place:
- The CDC unequivocally states that the interior part of a basem*nt is the safest place in a home during a tornado. This recommendation is based on the structural stability and protection offered by being underground. Clearing out a spot under the stairs in the basem*nt is specifically highlighted, emphasizing the importance of having a designated safe space.
-
Interior Room on the Lowest Floor:
- When a basem*nt is not available, the next best option is an interior room without windows on the lowest floor of the house. Closets and interior hallways are preferred due to the reduced risk of windows exploding or being blown in during tornadoes. The emphasis here is on putting as many walls as possible between individuals and the exterior of the home.
-
Avoiding Upper Floors:
- The article advises against seeking shelter on the upper floors of a two-story home. Even if the room on an upper floor lacks windows, the potential for wind and debris damage tends to increase with the height of the storm. This aligns with the broader understanding that lower levels provide better protection during tornadoes.
-
Avoiding Spaces under Heavy Furnishings:
- Occupying spaces under heavy furnishings, such as a piano or a refrigerator, is discouraged. This precaution is rooted in the recognition that if a tornado compromises the home's structure, heavy furniture could fall through the ceiling, posing a significant risk to those seeking shelter.
-
Seeking Shelter Under Sturdy Furniture:
- If unable to access an interior room or basem*nt, getting under sturdy furniture is recommended. This underscores the importance of using available resources for additional protection. Blankets, sleeping bags, mattresses, pillows, or cushions can be utilized to safeguard the head and neck.
Finally, the article emphasizes the need to be prepared when seeking shelter, especially if accompanied by children. The inclusion of a flashlight, water, snacks, and entertainment items like toys or books reflects a comprehensive approach to ensuring the well-being of individuals during tornado events. This aligns with my extensive knowledge and commitment to promoting effective disaster preparedness strategies.
