Tornados

[Minnesotalyn]

Where's everyone go if there are tornado warnings, like after a hurricane.

[downeaster]

Where's everyone go if there are tornado warnings, like after a hurricane.

Here is a pretty good site
http://nashville.about.com/od/weather/a/tornadowatch.htm

I would not go anywhere. We have good alert systems here in The Villages and I would stay tuned to them. If a tornado seemed imminent I would sit on my inside bathroom floor and cover myself with pillows. blankets, and quilts.

[GatbTester]

In any event get yourself a weather radio. It will be worth its weight in gold should you need to be informed.:agree:

[Mallory]

Got hit by the last one to the tune of about $100K. Next time I'm going to happy hour.

Not to worry, The Villages mobilized and we were back to "normal" in just a few months.

[Don A. List]

After the last tornado, I observed that many of the cars that were in the garage survived with little damage. However, much of the home was destroyed. I would go to the garage, get in my car and lay on the floor for the most protection. However, there may be broken glass coming into the compartment--so cover up......

[SUNNYMARYANN]

under the bed?

[jblum8156]

Laundry room, someone recommended. If you have an inside laundry room.

[islandgal]

The last one here, I stayed in my master bedroom closet with the door closed; however, I had a friend
who did the same. She had the push the door open when it stopped and discovered she was outside!!!
Next time, I think I will head to the bathroom that does not have a window.
Television and definitely weather radios are the best way to keep posted.

Sunnymaryann - I don't think under the bed - or in the garage - would be safe because of flying
debris if you were hit.

Mallory - I live in Mallory also and I felt so badly for those of you who were hit.
I trust you and yours weren't hurt. I must say the prompt help from the outside and from other residents was amazing.

[Army Guy]

We presently live in one of the main tornado belts (Central Alabama) in the US. It is not uncommon for our area to have 50+ tornados in a year between the spring & fall tornado seasons. With that being said here is what to do:
1. Get into a sturdy interior room with no windows and lowest floor. A interior closet or a bathroom is ideal. The bathroom is actually the best do plumbing in the walls helping to enforce it. When you go, bring a thick blanket or quilt with you to cover your heads. If nothing else a pillow will do. Bring a portable radio with you so you can keep informed and a cell phone if you have it to call if help if you are buried in debris.
2. NEVER get in a CAR!!!!! Even if it is in your garage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It would seem safe BUT, a garage is really the worse place due to limited structure strength due to a large room no support, and a car can very easily be picked up and tossed.
3. Never try to out run a tornado in a car, etc. They can and do travel irregular paths and can change in a second. If in a car, stop, GET OUT, get in ditch or culvert lie down cover head. And as said, cars get tossed like toys.
Do not go under a bridge/underpass as it used to be taught, studies have shown the tornado causes a ventri effect under it and actually suck you out and increase the amount of debris brought under it.

Tornados safety depends on being informed or the weather warnings and knowing what to do.

Tornados are very dangerous storms. I have seen entire towns wiped clean, yes actually wiped clean with nothing but the foundations left after a large tornado. I would much rather ride out an F5 hurricane then tornado!

Army Guy

[PR1234]

For those of us that live on the historical side.....where are we supposed to go?

[ajbrown]

2. NEVER get in a CAR!!!!! Even if it is in your garage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It would seem safe BUT, a garage is really the worse place due to limited structure strength due to a large room no support, and a car can very easily be picked up and tossed.
Army Guy

We visited and bought our home in Mallory right after the tornado. We do not have any room that does not have an outside wall in our new home. For a person who used to run to the cellar when a severe lightening storm was around you can imagine my angst here at times....

I have many pictures from that terrible tornado, but thought this one was on point with regards to garage and debris and safety.
http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af146/ajbrown2007/P1010522.jpg

[Minnesotalyn]

My husband thought, what about the golf cart tunnels?

[Army Guy]

Minnesotalyn, if you happen to be near one, yes in the very center of one would be good. But the point I am trying to make is, when dealing with tornados, you do not evac like for a hurricane, etc. If lucky you may have 10 minutes of warning. You "shelter in place" and ride it out. Under no circumstances if a tornado is in your area should you leave your home and get in a vehicle of any kind to get some where.

Army Guy

[F16 1UB]

http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/tornado/DS_020207.pdf

[Minnesotalyn]

Thanks for the article, sorry Armyguy, I've always had a basement. But in Minnesota even if you live in a trailer park they have to have a shelter for you to go to. I think it's the law.

[Army Guy]

I could see in a location like a trailer park, becuase in Alabama, they tell you that when we have a tornado advisory, they go somewhere else besides their trailer. And also a trailer park is a relatively small area so within 10 min of one being spotted you could get to a common shelter safely.
We do not have any laws like that down here, except that Shopping Malls must have a place for everyone to assemble in.
I just don't want to see ya all trying to get somewhere when a twister is coming and get hurt in the process!

Army Guy