With advancements in innovations and technology, scientists have gained valuable insights from major tornado outbreaks, leading to improved safety guidance. As tornado season approaches, forecasters emphasize not only the importance of real-time alerts during a storm but also the necessity of advance planning.
Tornado seasons vary across the United States, commencing at different times regionally. Traditionally, Tornado Alley—encompassing areas in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas—experiences its peak season from May to early June. Conversely, states in Dixie Alley, which include Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, tend to see tornadoes earlier in the year. The term "Tornado Alley" may be misleading as tornadoes can and have been reported in all 50 states. Approximately 1,200 tornadoes occur annually across the U.S., frequently striking regions outside these conventional tornado zones. Notably, an unexpected tornado recently emerged near Los Angeles in 2023, resulting in property damage and injuries.
When a tornado threatens your home, and emergency sirens sound, it’s crucial to implement last-minute safety measures to protect yourself and your loved ones. Experts recommend preparing well ahead of time with a few straightforward steps. One essential part of this preparation is obtaining emergency updates. Weather radios, which provide alerts and can sound alarms, are vital safety devices. Rick Smith, the warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service's forecast office in Norman, Oklahoma, stresses their importance, especially in the South, where nighttime tornadoes are common.
Smith encourages having multiple methods for receiving warnings, such as weather radios and cellphone apps, to ensure redundancy in case of power outages. When considering shelter options during a tornado, experts advise seeking underground shelters or basements, or safe rooms specifically designed to withstand high winds. However, many homes, particularly in places like Oklahoma, lack basements due to high construction costs. If confined to above-ground locations during a tornado, it is crucial to place as many walls and barriers between you and the outside as possible.
Utilizing mattresses, couch cushions, or durable items can serve as protective barriers against flying debris. Additionally, wearing a bicycle or sports helmet can offer vital head protection, and keeping these items conveniently stored for quick access is advised. For families with small children, bringing a car seat indoors can also provide additional safety.
To increase home safety, recent studies indicate that closing garage doors and all interior doors can help manage winds by creating compartments within the structure. Contrary to a common belief that opening windows can equalize pressure, Smith emphasizes that this is not a safe practice. Preparing for the potential aftermath is equally important; individuals should wear long pants and sturdy shoes to navigate hazardous terrain upon emerging from a shelter. A well-stocked emergency kit containing drinking water and non-perishable food items is also wise for any household.
For those traveling during tornado warnings, it’s essential to understand the risks of seeking shelter. Contrary to dramatic portrayals in movies like "Twisters," fleeing to a highway underpass is not advisable. Smith notes that when in a vehicle, options for safety become limited. If possible, seek shelter in a building, as no method of seeking safety in a car or ditch is guaranteed to protect against the dangers of a tornado.
Smith summarizes the uncertainty of outcomes in various situations, where individuals have survived or perished in similar circumstances, emphasizing that the best strategy is always to avoid being caught in dangerous weather conditions whenever possible.
