Tornado Preparedness: Life-Saving Tips for Staying Safe Before and During a Storm.

As tornado activity ramps up across the United States, weather experts continue to stress the critical importance of preparedness. Advances in technology and lessons from past tornado disasters have shaped improved safety guidance, but knowing what to do before and during a tornado can still mean the difference between life and death.

Tornado season varies depending on geography. In the central region traditionally referred to as Tornado Alley—which includes Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas—the peak months are May through early June. Meanwhile, in Dixie Alley—covering states like Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia—tornadoes tend to appear earlier in the year.

However, the idea of "tornado alleys" can be misleading. The National Severe Storms Laboratory notes that tornadoes have occurred in all 50 states, with an estimated 1,200 hitting the U.S. annually. Recent tornadoes have struck areas far outside traditional hotspots, including one near Los Angeles in 2023 that caused significant damage and injured a resident.

When sirens blare and a tornado bears down on your home, quick, decisive action is crucial. But experts say your best chance at survival starts with preparation long before the storm hits. Here are key safety measures every household should consider:

Receiving Emergency Alerts:

Rick Smith, a warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma, strongly recommends weather radios. Though they may seem outdated, these devices are vital, especially in the South where many tornadoes strike at night. The loud alarms can wake sleeping residents, providing critical seconds to take shelter.

In addition to a weather radio, having multiple alert sources is vital. Cellphone apps and other notification systems serve as backups in case power is lost. Redundancy can save lives.

Finding the Right Shelter:

The safest places during a tornado are basements, underground shelters, or reinforced safe rooms designed to withstand extreme winds. However, many homes, particularly in Oklahoma where the soil makes basement construction difficult, don’t have these features.

If you're above ground, Smith advises putting as many walls between yourself and the storm as possible. Use mattresses, couch cushions, or other protective materials to shield yourself from debris. Helmets—like those used for biking or sports—can offer crucial head protection if kept within easy reach.

For small children, car seats can serve as an added layer of protection and should be brought inside ahead of time if severe weather is expected.

Protecting Your Home:

Smith highlights a newer safety measure that may surprise some: keeping all interior and garage doors closed. This can help limit wind force by segmenting the space, potentially reducing damage. This advice counters the outdated myth that opening doors and windows helps equalize pressure during a tornado.

Post-storm safety is also vital. After the tornado passes, the surrounding environment may be filled with sharp debris and fallen power lines. Wearing long pants and sturdy footwear can help you move through the aftermath more safely. Emergency kits stocked with water and nonperishable food are also highly recommended.

If You're Driving:

Being on the road during a tornado is one of the most dangerous situations. Smith cautions against following dramatized Hollywood examples—such as seeking shelter under an overpass, as depicted in the movie Twisters.

Ideally, you should avoid driving when tornado threats are forecasted. If caught in a storm, try to locate a nearby building for shelter. Otherwise, no option—whether it's staying in the vehicle, taking cover in a ditch, or sheltering under an overpass—can be considered completely safe. Survival outcomes vary greatly depending on the storm.

Smith summarizes it plainly: "I've seen cars rolled up into unrecognizable balls of metal." The best protection remains early preparation and avoiding high-risk scenarios when storms are forecasted.

By planning ahead and understanding the right steps to take, you can significantly increase your chances of staying safe during one of nature’s most violent events.

Source:https://phys.org/news/2025-05-tornado-difference-life-death.html

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.