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Editorial
Pendulum of twister safety swings both ways
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Time was, we all crouched in the cellar and hoped for the best when we heard of an approaching tornado.
After the movie "Twister" popularized the concept of persuing the powerful natural sources of destruction, storm chasing became a popular sport. One of the surest signs of approaching bad weather is seeing a string of vehicles -- some festooned with antenna and armor plate -- speeding along major highways. It's even possible to become a "tornado tourist" by signing on with a commercial storm-chasing outfit.
The death of three cautious, veteran storm chasers when a tornado made an unexpected turn in Oklahoma should again make it more fashionable to huddle in a shelter when there's a storm around.
Reportedly, a number of storm chasers were trapped on a highway -- a Weather Channel car was thrown 200 feet, but no one was hurt in that vehicle.
Apparently, many of us have become blasé when it comes to storm warnings, even if we're not tempted to go looking for one.
According to the National Weather Service, your best options, in order are:
* An underground storm shelter, storm cellar, basement or engineered safe room designed to withstand a tornado.
* On the lowest floor of a sturdy building:
* Stay away from doors, windows and outside walls.
* Put as many walls between you and the tornado as you can.
* Use pillows, couch cushions, sleeping bags, a mattress or blankets to cover up.
* If you or your children have helmets, wear them!
* If you have an infant, put it in a car seat or carrier.
Other important sheltering reminders:
* Wear long pants, long-sleeve shirt and real shoes (not flip flops or sandals).
* Make sure you know what you'll do with your pets. Find leashes and carriers now.
If you do not feel safe from a tornado where you are:
* and you feel the need to drive somewhere else to find better shelter, it is critical that you do not wait too long to make that critical decision.
* If you wait until the tornado warning is in effect for your location, it is probably too late to be able to drive away safely.
* If you choose to leave your vehicle, be sure you know where you are going before you start the car. Try to let someone know you are not at home and where you are going.
* Do not assume that public buildings are tornado shelters. Check while the sun is shining and before storms ever develop.
* Be sure that you are not putting yourself in more danger by driving into another storm.