Navigating Tornado Season: Myths, Preparedness, and Safety
Cynthia KolfWelcome to this week's discussion on tornadoes.
These powerful natural events can strike at any time and in any state across the United States. However, they are most prevalent during the early spring in the South and in the summer months for Northern states.
Tornadoes in the United States
Particularly, the region known as Tornado Alley—encompassing the states of Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota—experiences the highest frequency of tornadoes annually. Situated between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians, the Great Plains witness a significant concentration of tornado activity.
Since 1950, every state has experienced a tornado, showcasing the widespread nature of these atmospheric events. In fact, the United States leads the world in tornado occurrences, averaging approximately 1200 tornadoes each year.
Tornadoes, measured by the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale), rank among the most destructive natural disasters. Since 1950, nearly 60 storms have reached the highest classification, EF-5, or its predecessor on the Fujita scale, F5.
The Joplin Tornado, occurring on May 22, 2011, stands out as the deadliest and most expensive tornado in U.S. history. With winds nearly one mile wide, it ravaged Joplin, Missouri, claiming over 150 lives and injuring more than 1,000. The resulting damage totaled a staggering $2.8 billion, marking the largest insurance payout in Missouri's history.
Other notable tornadoes include the Tuscaloosa-Birmingham Tornado, also in 2011, and the Moore, Oklahoma Tornado in 2013. Both caused immense destruction and ranked among the costliest tornadoes in U.S. history. The Dallas Tornado Outbreak of 2019 stands as the costliest tornado event in Texas history, inflicting approximately $1.55 billion in damages.
However, it's the tragic events of Joplin that serve as a sobering reminder of the immense power and devastation tornadoes can unleash upon communities.
Watch vs. Warning
A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when weather conditions suggest an elevated risk for severe weather, including tornado formation, in a specific area. It serves as an alert for people to be prepared and stay vigilant.
On the other hand, a tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or detected by weather radar. This indicates an imminent threat to life and property, prompting immediate action to seek shelter and take protective measures.
Keep Informed
Staying informed during severe weather is crucial for personal safety. While cell phone alerts and television and radio broadcasts are valuable sources of information, the National Weather Service recommends an additional measure for reliable alerts: investing in a battery-backed radio equipped with a tone-alert feature. The Eton American Red Cross Radio or the Midland ER210 Emergency Radio will not only keep you updated, but both have a weather alert that will sound an alarm indicating the risk of severe weather in your area.
Both of these radios ensure you receive immediate notification when a weather watch or warning is issued, even if the power goes out. This added layer of preparedness can help keep you and your loved ones safe during emergencies.
Tornado Warning Signs
Tornadoes can develop rapidly, leaving little time for official warnings. It's crucial to remain vigilant and responsive to warning signs. These signs include:
- a rotating funnel-shaped cloud
- an approaching cloud of debris
- a dark green-colored sky
- a large, dark, low-lying cloud
- large hail
- a loud roar resembling a freight train.
Tornados usually move from the southwest to the northeast.
If you observe any of these indicators, seek shelter immediately, even if no formal warning has been issued. Being proactive and knowing how to respond can make all the difference in protecting yourself and your loved ones during a tornado.
Have an Emergency Plan
Ensuring the safety of your family during a tornado starts with identifying the safest place in your home for everyone to gather. While no location is entirely risk-free, some options offer better protection than others. Consider areas such as a storm cellar, basement, or an interior room without windows. Alternatively, a closet can serve as a sheltered space.
It's essential for every family member to be familiar with the designated shelter area in case of a tornado warning. Additionally, keep essential emergency supplies like a first aid kit and fire extinguishers in this area. If time permits, switch off utilities, and ensure that older family members know how to perform basic first aid and shut off water, gas, and electricity in the home.
Practice emergency drills at home so that everyone knows what to do. Assign responsible individuals to assist younger children or pets to the designated shelter area.
Avoid seeking shelter in a mobile home during a tornado. Instead, identify a nearby sturdy building for quick evacuation. Communities in tornado-prone areas should advocate for the construction of tornado shelters to enhance community safety.
Preparedness and planning are key to minimizing the risks posed by tornadoes and ensuring the well-being of your loved ones.
Emergency Kit
Preparing an emergency kit for a tornado is essential for ensuring you have necessary supplies and information readily available during a crisis. While it's recommended to have at least 72 hours of supplies on hand, an increasing number of agencies now advocate for being prepared with two weeks' worth of supplies
Emergency Contacts:
- Police, fire department, paramedics
- Medical centers/hospitals
- Insurance agent (include policy types and numbers)
- Utility companies (electricity, water, gas)
- Neighbors' names and phone numbers
- Landlord or property manager's contact information
Personal Information:
- Important medical information (allergies, medications, medical conditions)
- Year, model, license plate, and identification numbers for vehicles
- Bank telephone number and account numbers
Important Documents:
- Copies of birth certificates
- Ownership documents for automobiles and boats
- Pet registrations and vaccination records
- Passports
- Medical documents
- Social security cards
- Insurance policies (home, auto, health)
- Will
- Household inventory (including serial numbers of appliances and electronics)
Photographic Documentation:
- Pictures or videos of the contents in each room of your home
- Photos of high-value items such as jewelry, artwork, collectibles
Basic Supplies:
- Non-perishable food items
- Bottled water - a gallon per person a day
- Manual can opener
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- First aid kit - especially bandages, ointment, and disinfectant wipes
- Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
- Whistle
- Dust masks
- Moist towelettes and hand sanitizer
Clothing and Bedding:
- Change of clothes for each family member
- Boots or sturdy sneakers for each family member
- Blankets or sleeping bags
Miscellaneous Items:
- Cash (in small denominations)
- Portable phone charger or power bank
- Waterproof container for storing documents and electronics
- Tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, cotton swabs, feminine items
- Important personal items (eyeglasses, medications, infant formula, diapers)
- Fire extinguisher
- Map of your local area and evacuation routes
- Weather radio with extra batteries
- If needed, baby formula and diapers
- If needed, pet food
- Cleaning supplies
Regularly review and update your emergency kit to ensure all information and supplies are current and in good condition. Keep your emergency kit in a designated, easily accessible location to grab quickly in the event of a tornado or other emergency.
After the Storm
After the storm, it's crucial to remain vigilant for updated information and follow safety guidelines. Steer clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines, as they can pose serious hazards. If feasible, sheltering in place is advisable until authorities deem it safe to venture outside.
During cleanup efforts, wearing appropriate gear is essential for personal protection. This includes thick-soled shoes, long pants, and durable work clothes. Additionally, donning protective face coverings can help minimize exposure to debris and airborne particles.
In addition to physical safety precautions, attending to the well-being of injured individuals is paramount. Provide immediate care to anyone injured and seek medical assistance as needed. Contacting local authorities or emergency services for assistance with cleanup efforts or any urgent needs is also advisable.
Lastly, it's essential to assess property damage and document it thoroughly for insurance purposes. Taking photographs or videos of the damage can assist in the claims process. Additionally, keeping records of expenses related to cleanup and repairs can aid in seeking reimbursement or assistance programs.
Tornado Folklore
As we wrap up our discussion on tornadoes, I think it is important to discuss some prevalent myths that have circulated over the years. These misconceptions often lead to misinformation and can potentially put lives at risk. Let's take a closer look at these tornado myths to separate fact from fiction.
Shelter Under an Overpass:
There's a common belief that taking shelter under an overpass while driving can save you from a tornado. However, this couldn't be further from the truth.
Despite the apparent structural stability, overpasses can create wind tunnels during tornadoes, leading to deadly consequences. Flying debris poses a significant risk, making this a dangerous choice for shelter.
Outrunning a Tornado in a Car:
Another misconception is that you can outrun a tornado in your car. In reality, attempting to flee from a tornado in a vehicle is incredibly risky and ill-advised.
If you spot a tornado while driving, it's essential to stop your vehicle immediately and seek shelter. Ideally, find a nearby ditch or ravine away from the car to protect yourself from flying debris. Never seek refuge under your vehicle, as this offers little to no protection.
Areas Near Rivers and Lakes Divert Tornado Paths:
Many people have believed that bodies of water can act as barriers or obstacles for tornadoes, potentially diverting or ending their paths. However, the reality is quite different.
Some of the most violent tornadoes in history have formed over lakes and rivers. Tornadoes are not hindered by bodies of water; they can move over, across, and through anything in their path, regardless of terrain or obstacles.
Tornadoes are Attracted to Mobile Homes
It's well-known that trailer parks, with their lightweight structures and unstable foundations, often suffer severe damage in tornadoes. The main reason is that mobile homes are not as strong or secure as larger, more solid buildings.
Simply put, when it comes to tornadoes, heavier buildings are safer. Mobile homes, on the other hand, are at greater risk because they're lighter and less sturdy.
Studies have found that people living in mobile homes are 10 to 20 times more likely to be killed in tornadoes compared to those in traditional homes. This is because mobile homes can be easily damaged, even by weaker tornadoes.
For example, while stronger buildings can withstand winds of up to 100 mph, a lightweight mobile home might tip over in winds as low as 55 mph.
Another factor to consider is how the media portrays tornado damage. News coverage often focuses on dramatic images of trailer parks destroyed by tornadoes. This can create the impression that tornadoes specifically target mobile homes.
But in reality, it's not that tornadoes seek out mobile homes; it's just that mobile homes are more likely to be damaged because they're not as well-built as other types of structures.
Opening Windows to Equalize Pressure:
There's a widespread belief that opening windows in your home before a tornado can help equalize pressure and minimize damage. However, this is a dangerous myth.
Tornadoes can cause rapid and extreme changes in air pressure, and opening windows does little to mitigate this. In fact, it only wastes time and exposes you to greater risk from flying debris.
Hiding Underneath Heavy Furniture:
Some people believe that hiding underneath heavy furniture, such as a sturdy table or mattress, can offer protection during a tornado. While these items may provide some degree of cover, they're not reliable shelters in the face of a powerful tornado. Flying debris can easily penetrate such makeshift shelters, leading to severe injury or worse.
Seeking Shelter in the Southwest Corner of a Basement:
It's a common myth that the southwest corner of a basement is the safest place to seek shelter during a tornado. However, there's no scientific basis for this belief. Instead, the safest location in a basement is in the center, away from windows and exterior walls, as these are the most vulnerable areas during a tornado.
Tornadoes Never Strike Big Cities:
Some people believe that tornadoes only occur in rural areas and never strike big cities. While it's true that tornadoes are more common in certain regions, including rural areas and Tornado Alley, they can and do occur in urban areas as well. Large cities are not immune to tornadoes, and residents should be prepared for the possibility of severe weather regardless of their location.
You Will Always See a Funnel Cloud
Don't assume that as long as there are no visible funnel clouds that you are safe. They can be hidden in heave rains during the day or by the dark of night.
In wrapping up our discussion about getting ready for tornadoes, remember that being ready and knowing what to do can really help keep you safe. By understanding what's true and what's not about tornadoes, and having a plan, we can protect ourselves and our communities better when tornadoes strike. Stay alert, have a plan, and make safety a priority!