Guest Author - Anita Grace Simpson
We have all heard many statements, as children and as adults, that give advice on what to do if a tornado threatens. Some of these statements have withstood scientific scrutiny, and are considered tornado facts. But
Guest Author - Anita Grace Simpson
We have all heard many statements, as children and as adults, that give advice on what to do if a tornado threatens. Some of these statements have withstood scientific scrutiny, and are considered tornado facts. But evidence has shown that some are just tornado myths. How can you know which is which? Read on!
The first myth commonly heard is “Open windows to equalize pressure.” This is a very dangerous tornado myth for two reasons – it is best to stay away from windows which are likely to produce flying shards of glass, and open windows allow outside debris to enter the home. Opening the windows does not prevent building collapse due to pressure changes and high winds. In fact, if the tornado is close, time is critical, and the time spent opening windows could mean the difference between life and death.
Don’t stop to open windows if a tornado is imminent! Go immediately to a basement or inner room/hallway, get under a heavy piece of furniture if possible, and protect your head and neck with a pillow or mattress. If a tornado warning has been issued, but the tornado has not reached your area, close blinds and/or curtains for some protection against flying glass and debris.
The second tornado myth is that the southwestern corner of a basement is the safest place to be in a tornado. This myth was based on the belief that debris would concentrate in the northeast corner, since most tornadoes move in that direction. However, research has shown that the southwest corner is often the most dangerous place. Many tornadoes are strong enough to move the foundation of a house, and their full force will hit the southwest corner, possibly collapsing the basement walls on top of anyone in that area. The safest place to be in a tornado – if you do not have an underground tornado shelter -- is the middle of the basement under heavy furniture such as a worktable, or in an interior,