Severe Weather Preparedness Week: Tornado Safety

Nicole Madden,

North and South Carolina Severe Weather Preparedness Week continues with today’s topic of tornado safety. Since 1950 there has been an average of 54 tornadoes a year across the Carolinas. Within the WCCB viewing area, there are an average of 4 tornadoes a year with most of those occurring during the afternoon. There has been a documented tornado in every county within the region. Although most tornadoes have occurred during the months of April and May, they can occur at any time of year and at any time of day. This means a tornado can strike while at work, on the road, or even while camping.

It is important to always stay WeatherWise and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. Here, are a few safety tips to follow if you are caught in a tornado.

Tornado Safety 2

Single Family Home

  • Best: Basement
  • Next Best: Lowest level and most interior room in the home
  • Stay away from any windows or doors
    • An interior closet or bathroom is usually best
  • Protect your head
  • Mobile homes are not safe
    • Find a storm shelter or sturdy building with a foundation

Outside in an open field

  • Find the lowest area possible
    • A ditch or gulley would be best
  • Lie flat and face down
  • Cover your head

At work or in an apartment building

  • Move to the lowest floor possible
  • Move to the most interior room
  • Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible
  • Make friends with your downstairs neighbor

Car Safety Tornado

In the car

  • Never try to outrun a tornado
  • Do not go under a bridge or underpass
    • It does not offer protection and could create a vacuum
  • If no sturdy structure is available, park the car
  • Put on your seatbelt
  • Slide under the steering wheel column and protect your head from glass and debris
    • If possible, cover yourself with a blanket