A staff report
During North Carolina’s Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the National Weather Service emphasizes the importance of seeking shelter immediately under a tornado warning or if a tornado is seen approaching. The most common injuries during high winds come from flying debris. To minimize risk, it’s critical to protect your head. Here are some safety tips to remember:
1. Go to a Safe Room or Basement: If you have a storm shelter or a basement, that’s the best place to be. Avoid windows and use heavy furniture for additional protection if needed.
2. If No Basement, Go to an Interior Room: Choose a small interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway. The goal is to put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
3. Get Under Something Sturdy: A heavy table or workbench can provide additional protection from falling debris.
4. Cover Yourself: Use thick padding like mattresses, blankets, or sleeping bags to protect against debris. Helmets can also provide essential head protection.
5. Mobile Homes Are Not Safe: If you’re in a mobile home, seek alternative shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection against tornadoes.
6. Don’t Stay in a Vehicle: If you’re caught by a tornado while in a vehicle, try to drive to the nearest shelter. If you cannot get to a shelter, either get down in the car and cover your head or abandon the car and seek shelter in a low-lying area like a ditch.
7. Listen to Local Alerts: Keep a battery-powered weather radio or app alerts turned on to receive real-time updates from the National Weather Service.
The emphasis during Severe Weather Preparedness Week is on knowing what to do ahead of time and having a plan in place. This knowledge can significantly reduce the risk of injury during severe weather events like tornadoes.
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