Thanks to a certain well-known and widely-loved MGM musical featuring a scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion, many of us, especially those who dwell on the East or West Coast, have thought of tornadoes as little more catalysts for traveling "over the rainbow" to a colorful world populated by munchkins and flying monkeys. But those who have experienced actual tornados know they are more the stuff of nightmares than the stuff of Technicolor fantasy. And on May 20th of this year, the entire nation saw just how devastating a tornado can be when we witnessed the tragedies in Moore, Oklahoma.
In addition to causing severe damage to structures and landscapes, a tornado-which is essentially a column of air that extends from a cloud above to the ground below while rotating violently-can also take lives. Since summer is the season for tornadoes, this is a smart time to determine just how you and your loved ones can stay safe in the event of a twister.
Do You Live in a Tornado-Prone Region?
A sizeable chunk of the U.S. is known colloquially as "Tornado Alley." It includes parts of the Midwest, including South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas, as well as Oklahoma and Texas. In this region, warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cooler, drier air from the Rockies and Canada, resulting in the volatile thunderstorms out of which tornadoes are born. While this area is prime tornado country, outlying states, including, Louisiana, Arkansas, Nevada, Idaho, and Montana, have also seen their share of tornados. If you live in or near one of these places, make sure to familiarize yourself with tornado safety practices.
Tips for Staying Safe
You never know where you'll be when a tornado strikes. You could be in a car, in a public place such as a mall or theatre, at school, or at work. For smart tips on what to do if you find yourself in any of these places or other environments during a tornado, visit the National Weather Service's site on tornado safety.
Pay attention to alerts and take them seriously. When a tornado approaches while you are at home, do the following:
- Retreat to the basement and crawl under a sturdy table for added protection.
- Make sure to avoid parts of the basement that are directly below heavy furnishings above, such as pianos or refrigerators.
- Assume a crouching position in which you are facing down with your legs tucked under your body.
- Protect your head with a helmet or with your hands.
- In a home with no basement, go to the lowest floor.
- Avoid windows.
- Crouch down, and protect your body with a mattress in case of falling debris.
- If you live in a mobile home, evacuate.