HOW TO SURVIVE A DISASTER -TORNADOES

When disaster strikes who lives and who dies is not purely a matter of luck.
In every disaster, from those people face once in a lifetime, to those they face every day, there are things that can be done to increase the chances of getting out alive. 
In this series on disaster survival, we look at the ways we can survive various common disasters.

TORNADO-A SURVIVAL GUIDE

A tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. Because wind is invisible, it is hard to see a tornado unless it forms a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, dust and debris. 

Of all the destructive powers in our world, none resembles the ferocity and form of tornadoes. 

If you've ever watched a whirlpool form in your bathtub or sink while draining the water, then you've witnessed the fundamentals of a tornado at work.In a tornado, the same sort of thing happens except with air instead of water.

Tornadoes develop out of thunderstorms, where there's already a steady, upward flow of warm, low-pressure moist air that cools to form clouds.If the conditions are right, the updraft becomes strong enough to create a vortex like in a sink and eventually becomes a tornado.Some tornadoes consist of a single vortex, but other times multiple suction vortices revolve around a tornado's center. 

TORNADO FACTS 

Tornado winds may exceed 300 miles (480 kilometers) per hour.

Tornadoes can lift cars, mobile homes, and animals into the air.

Tornadoes are sometimes called "twisters."

The damage path of a tornado is usually less than 1,600 feet wide.

Most tornadoes move at less than 35 miles per hour.

Most tornadoes last only a few minutes.

A tornado over a body of water is called a "waterspout."

The United States has the highest number of tornado occurrences in the world with an average of 1,000 tornadoes reported each year.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A TORNADO

To identify a tornado, look for the following danger signs:

• Dark, often greenish sky
• Large hail
• A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
• Loud roar, similar to a freight train.

TIPS TO SURVIVE A TORNADO

Never try to outrun a tornado. You can however try to get out of its path by driving 90 degrees to the right or 90 degrees to the left, he said. The goal is to have the tornado in your rearview mirror.

Vehicles are extremely risky in a tornado. Get out of your vehicle and lie down flat in a ditch away from the vehicle. (Hiding below an underpass isn't safe).

If you are caught by extreme winds or flying debris, park the car quickly. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat, or other cushion if possible.

In a building reach for a basement or the lowest floor available.Look for an inside hallway, or a small closet or bathroom (with no windows).The more walls between you and the outside, the better.

Even if you find a basement, don't stay in the open. Look for an inner, small, windowless room and get under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench or a stairwell), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag to protect yourself from flying debris. 

If you live in a tornado prone area, consider making a strong tornado shelter in your house.

AFTER A TORNADO...

• Wait for authorities to give the all-clear.
• Check for structural damage before going inside.
• If dark, use a flashlight – not matches, a candle or a lighter. An open flame can ignite leaking gas.
• Listen for reports to see when drinking water is safe.
• Don’t turn your power on until an electrician has inspected your system.

Next week, a look at survival tips on another disaster! Till then keep safe....