Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
then do so. If it does not appear to move to the left or right, it is headed straight for
you. In that case, you must make a decision. If you have the option of traveling to the
right or left, then do so, but if you are stuck in traffic, or the tornado is very close,
you must abandon your vehicle and seek shelter, since tornadoes can easily pick up
cars and even tractor trailers, sometimes throwing them hundreds of yards. If pos-
sible, pull your car to the side of the road and do not park in lanes of traffic, since
with the heavy rains that often accompany tornadoes, a driver traveling at high
speeds might not see your car parked in the middle of the road.
• If you are stuck in your car with an impending tornado strike, crouch down as low as
you can, with your seatbelt buckled, staying away from the windows, and shielding
your head with your arms and hands.
• If you are in the open, perhaps having abandoned your car, seek shelter in a building
or culvert, or lie down flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your
hands. Not a pleasant thought, but people have survived tornadoes by doing this!
Stay away from cars and trees, since they will become heavy flying objects with the
power to kill and maim.
• Do not park under an overpass, since these tend to act as wind tunnels funneling
debris and magnifying winds.
• Avoid shopping malls, theatres, gymnasiums, and other buildings with large open in-
terior spaces where the roof might easily collapse. If inside of such a building, with
no time to seek shelter elsewhere, seek shelter under a doorjamb or next to an interior
wall that may provide some structural support and protection in the event of a build-
ing collapse.
