Tornado season is May to July depending on which part of the country you are from and every year we are inundated with things we should do. The information year in and year out seems to be the same old-same old, not very easy to understand or remember. Not so, here- read on and learn some simple and easy to understand tips, which will make you feel and actually be, more secure.
Some expert's feel 2009 may be the worst tornado season in years and having some basic knowledge according to many, is in order. Tornados are the most violent storms in the world with wind speeds far exceeding that of hurricanes. Contrary to what most people think, most occur not at night, but between the hours of 2:00 and 10:00 PM. They can occur at any time of the year if conditions are favorable. Most injuries sustained are from flying debris.
Here are Three Easy to Understand and Easy to Remember Tips for Your Safety:
1- Tornado Watch or Tornado Warning-which one is the serious one? Tornado Warning means authorities are warning you to take cover. These words mean a tornado is imminent (a funnel cloud has touched ground nearby). So, if you're anything like I am and every year you wonder which is worse, tornado watch or warning, remember, when you here the word WARNING, they are WARNING you to actually take cover.
2- The best way to survive a tornado is to be underground. For most people this means a basement. If you cannot go underground go to the center of a home or as close to the center of the home as possible, preferably a bathroom. All the plumbing in a bathroom reinforces that room, which will help you be more secure.
3- Get a weather radio. These radios are about twenty dollars. They stay silent and can just sit quietly in a corner of a room in your house, however, if there is severe weather in your area it goes off with an audible alarm, along with details, and advice on what is occurring. These radios are great to have; they are working in silence day and night for your safety.
In addition, many people wonder why tornados always seem to hit areas where mobile homes are located. This just seems so because these homes simply cannot stand up to tornados. Actually, some statistics show you are safer in a ditch than in a mobile home!
Most tornados are not devastating ones that cause massive devastation. However, ALL tornados are extremely dangerous and simple yet effective advance planning on what we should do "just in case" is a necessity.
Steve Kovacs is the author of Protect Yourself: The Simple Keys Women Need to be Safe and Secure. He is the host of the Internet Radio Talk Show, The Kovacs Perspective http://www.thekovacsperspective.com/index.html where he interviews experts in various fields, geared to help and inform.
Steve's background is in law enforcement, security, investigations and teaching. Contact Steve any time at:info@thekovacsperspective.com
Great article, thanks for the reminders and tips--simple, yet important for yearly review. I think now I'll remember the difference between a Watch and a Warning. I've often been confused, or maybe moreso forgetful, of which is more severe.
My old office has one of those weather radios. The first time I heard the alarm sound, I, myself, was-well-alarmed! I'm definitely going to consider purchasing another one for my new office.
Out of curiousity, do local communities have sounding devices (i.e. sirens) that alert residents of such possible tornados? I seem to remember as a kid hearing something that could possibly have been such a thing. Is this something I should check with my local fire department about?
Again, thanks for the reminders and let's hope for no 'touch downs' in my area.
Thanks for writing.Yes, many communities DO have tornado sirens, which are a great tool to inform people.Checking with your local community is a great idea, thanks for bringing it up.
Steve, I agree with you, "three simple things" that we should know! I hope many others will read this to be better prepared and protected. Thank you for this important information. Also, thank you for becoming a fan. Happy Sunday! Respond to this comment
Good article. Very informative. I always forget when the months for Tornado season is at it's worst. I want to go to see my Dad in Ark. but thanks to you I'll have to remember to plan it a little later in the year. Thanks for the article.
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