Tornadoes can wreak havoc on property and life. Depending on your location, it’s essential to stay abreast of the weather and analyze whether a natural disaster is coming your way. Preparing for tornadoes is imperative to prevent loss of life.
Despite their imminent danger, tornadoes come with many myths associated with them – read on to learn more.
FICTION: You can outdrive a tornado
FACT: Tornadoes can travel more than 60 mph, and their 200 mph winds can lift cars with ease.
FICTION: The best place for shelter is in your basement’s southwest corner
FACT: Tornadoes don’t know directions. Find a walled room without windows on the lowest level.
FICTION: Opening windows will depressurize the area
FACT: Depressurizing doesn’t work like that. Instead, move to the lowest floor and focus on protecting yourself from flying debris.
FICTION: Freeway overpasses are the safest place to be while driving if near a tornado
FACT: Bridges and overpasses can collapse, create a wind tunnel, and let more debris hit your car. So, in fact, they increase your risk of danger.
FICTION: Tornadoes cannot go through water, mountains, or big cities
FACT: The 1974 “Super Outbreak” of tornadoes near Cincinnati had wind speeds varying between 260 and 318 mph. Also, tall buildings do not affect a tornado’s path.
FICTION: The tornado itself is the most dangerous aspect of the natural disaster
FACT: On the contrary. Wind speeds and secondary storms cause an incredible amount of flying debris.
FICTION: Tornadoes only take place during the season
FACT: Though most tornadoes form in the spring, many instances show that off-season tornadoes are just as destructive.
FICTION: People can see and hear tornadoes before they occur
FACT: Rain or clouds can obstruct your view, giving you less time to react. Check weather updates from the NOAA and know the difference between tornado watches and warnings.
FICTION: Tornadoes never hit the same place twice
FACT: These natural disasters don’t have a schedule or comprehension of history. Three separate tornadoes hit the same place in Arkansas in one day. Also, Cordell, Kansas, was hit by a tornado on May 20th for three years in a row.
FICTION: If a tornado isn’t headed in your direction, you are safe
FACT: Tornadoes can switch directions at any time, causing major unpredictability.
If you find yourself in a situation where tornadoes are near, protect your family and pets by doing the following:
- Analyze your home and look for areas that can be susceptible to damage
- Maintain a clean landscape to avoid unnecessary flying objects
- Fill your emergency kit with things such as:
- Battery-operated radio
- Extra batteries
- Medication
- Important documents
- Have a safety plan detailing instructions for where and how your family will seek shelter
- Ensure your home insurance policy covers tornado damage
- Monitor local weather updates
If you are stockpiling supplies, look no further for the best products at low prices; Wolf Survival Gear has it all. Check out our website today to learn more.
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Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later.
Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/