Tornado preparedness

Tornado preparedness is the continuous process of being ready to identify, react to, survive, and recover from the effects of a tornado. Since tornadoes generally occur with little to no warning, it is important for people to know in advance how to recognize the signs of a tornado. They should have a plan for where to go or know what type of shelter to seek when away from home, and they should know what to do to stay safe when the tornado has passed. Tornado preparedness applies to individuals and families, as well as organizations such as businesses and schools.

Background

Tornadoes are funnels of rapidly spinning air that develop in a type of thunderstorm known as a supercell thunderstorm. Supercell thunderstorms occur separately from regular thunderstorms and have a strong rotating updraft, or current of air, that moves upward through the clouds. Because a supercell storm is by itself, it does not have to share any of the moisture and thermal energy around it with other storms. This makes it more powerful and dangerous.

The iconic funnel cloud of a tornado is made up of rapidly spinning air around a core that is relatively calm. The winds can range from below 100 miles per hour (mph) to more than 300 mph, and some are strong enough to level buildings in seconds. A tornado can stay on the ground for as long as an hour, but most are ten minutes or less in duration. The majority of tornadoes move along the ground at a speed of about 30 mph and tear up a path ranging from about 100 yards to more than 2 miles in width.

Tornadoes are most common in areas that have hot moist air on the ground and colder air higher in the atmosphere, separated by a layer of hot dry air. These conditions are required for supercell formation. In the United States, for instance, the Midwest and Southeast are most likely to experience a tornado because these environments are conducive to supercells. The time of year can also play a factor, as tornadoes are more likely to occur when it is hot and humid at ground level. However, tornadoes can occur anywhere that thunderstorms happen, so almost no area is completely safe.

Overview

Preparing for a tornado is similar to preparing for other disasters, such as hurricanes or floods. It involves establishing a plan of action for when a tornado is approaching. People should also procure supplies and equipment needed during and after the event and know how to stay safe once the immediate danger has passed. However, since tornadoes develop swiftly and can occur with little warning, being prepared in advance is even more important than it is for some disasters because there is less time to react when the danger is approaching.

One of the first steps to preparedness is being aware of the likelihood of a tornado occurring. Preparation takes on greater importance in areas where tornadoes happen more frequently. More robust tornado warning systems exist in these areas. In addition, signing up for public announcements can give people extra notice and help them prepare. In other areas, weather alerts are available through government agencies and national weather services. In addition, being aware of the signs of an approaching tornado—a cloud of high winds carrying debris, a spinning funnel cloud, and a characteristic roar that sounds like a freight train—gives people time to react and find shelter before the tornado hits.

The single biggest factor in tornado preparation is identifying safe places to go when a tornado approaches. The best protection is a safe room specifically built to withstand tornadoes. A safe room is a structure, often built underground where possible, that is made of concrete, steel, or other materials strong enough to withstand tornado-force winds. They are often equipped with food, water, a means of communication, and other items that will sustain the occupants while waiting out a tornado warning or until a tornado has passed. Safe rooms can be found in homes, and some schools and other public buildings in areas prone to tornadoes may have spaces like this to protect students or employees in the event of an emergency.

In the absence of a dedicated safe room, a basement or a small windowless room in the interior of the lowest level of a building are the safest areas. People who are caught outdoors during a tornado should look for an underground parking lot, tunnel, subway, or other underground area. If this is not possible, getting in a ditch or as low to the ground as possible and wrapping the arms around the head would be the best alternative.

Areas that are not considered safe during a tornado include large rooms with flat roofs, such as auditoriums, trailer homes, and lightweight buildings such as sheds and garages. Vehicles can easily be picked up by tornadoes and are not a safe refuge. People who are in a vehicle during a tornado should not try to outrun the tornado but should seek other shelter. Identifying safe locations and planning how to respond in advance can make a significant difference in surviving a tornado, especially when away from home.

Being prepared for the immediate aftermath of a tornado is also important. Multiple tornadoes can occur when conditions are right, so it is important to have and to listen to a radio that can provide weather updates and information on when the danger is past. After the storm is gone, danger from collapsed buildings, fallen power lines, and ruptured gas lines may still exist. Tornado preparedness involves being aware of these dangers and knowing how to avoid them. For families, having a plan that includes where to go during a tornado and where to reunite after the storm danger has passed is a key part of tornado preparedness. People should also use text messaging and social media to contact family and friends in the event phone lines are down or busy.

Bibliography

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Kines, Halie. “What Tornado Safe Room Is Right for You?” AccuWeather,www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/what-tornado-safe-room-is-right-for-you/70004658. Accessed 14 Mar. 2019.

"Preparing for a Tornado." CDC, 7 Feb. 2024, www.cdc.gov/tornadoes/safety/index.html. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

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“Tornado Preparedness.” National Safety Council, www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/tornado. Accessed 14 Mar. 2019.

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“Tornadoes: Safe Rooms.” Federal Alliance for Safe Homes,www.flash.org/peril‗inside.php?id=177. Accessed 14 Mar. 2019.