How to Best Prepare for a Tornado

In the wake of violent tornado outbreaks in 2011 and this spring, NOAA and FEMA have joined together to arm Americans with information and strategies to make it through severe weather. In the inaugural Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the agencies are placing special emphasis on motivating individuals to be leaders in readying their communities for all types of severe weather.

In other words, NOAA and FEMA want you to be “a force of nature” in severe weather planning by taking on a few simple responsibilities:

* Know your risk by understanding the types hazardous weather that can affect you and your family where you live and work

* Take action by developing an emergency plan and creating or refreshing an emergency kit; and educating yourself about weather warnings

* Being that force of nature by educating others about how to prepare and by sharing information about weather hazards through social networks before and during severe weather.

A clear aim of this campaign is for preparedness information and efforts to grow virally. NOAA says people are most inspired to prepare when they see others preparing.

Both agencies view digital connections as the means for spreading preparedness information.

“Mobile technology and social media ... offer great opportunities to show others how to prepare,” FEMA wrote on its website. “When you are aware of danger, take action and then tell those around you what you’ve done to get them to take the same steps.”

Each day this week, NOAA and FEMA will post information on their websites about how individuals can be better equipped to deal with severe weather.

(Below is information from the State Farm website; however, it is not an endorsement of State Farm.)

6 Myths about Tornadoes

When you're in the path of a twister, every second counts. Knowing effective ways to protect yourself and your family could help save lives.

Myth 1: Opening windows equalizes air pressure and helps prevent the roof from being ripped off.

Fact: This act does little or nothing to prevent damage and wastes precious minutes in an emergency.

Tip: The powerful winds of a tornado can shatter windows. Help avoid injuries caused by flying, broken glass by taking shelter in a windowless room.

Myth 2: Taking shelter under an overpass during a tornado will protect me.

Fact: Overpasses and bridges can actually concentrate airflow from a tornado and become dangerous "wind tunnels." Hiding under an overpass may subject you to severe injuries from flying debris or even cause you to be blown out into the storm itself.

Tip: While not an ideal solution, it may be safer to find a low spot, such as a ditch, and lie face down with your hands covering your head.

Myth 3: The safest place to hide in a storm is the southwest corner of the basement.

Fact: A corner is often safer than against the middle of a long wall, which may be vulnerable to collapse in a tornado. A better bet is to gather in a small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor in a home.

Tip: Protect yourself from flying and falling debris by taking shelter under a heavy desk, mattress or sturdy stairwell.

Myth 4: Tornadoes are easy to spot.

Fact: A tornado may not be visible until it has picked up sufficient dirt and debris. Waiting to take shelter until you can actually see a funnel cloud puts you at risk.

Tip: Listen to weather reports for tornado warnings. A warning tells you a tornado has been spotted on radar and that you should seek shelter immediately.

Myth 5: I could outrun a tornado in my car.

Fact: It's never a good idea to try. The average ground speed of a tornado is 30 mph, but its winds can exceed 200 mph. Even if you're able to stay ahead of the funnel cloud, you could find yourself driving through drenching downpours and flying debris. You might also encounter downed power lines, trees, and other dangerous obstacles in the road.

Tip: While it does not recommend escaping a tornado by car, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says if you are in open country and the tornado is distant, it may be possible to drive out of harm's way. After detecting the direction of the storm's movement, drive at a right angle away from the tornado.

Myth 6: Tornadoes never strike here.

Fact: While some areas have a greater likelihood of tornadoes, these dangerous storms have occurred in every state in the U.S., in both urban and rural areas, and over land, mountains, and water. Never assume a particular location will be spared and always heed tornado warnings when they are issued.

Tip: Even if tornadoes are rare in your area, develop an emergency plan and practice it with your family.

More information about staying safe during a tornado is available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the American Red Cross.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.