Tornadoes

Tornado season arrived in earnest over the last few days, with at least 42 people killed and massive property damage from dozens touching ground in eight states. Tornado winds as high as 165 miles an hour fueled deadly wildfires in Oklahoma, destroying more than 400 homes and businesses. Dust storms augmented by tornadoes led to multiple fatal motor vehicle accidents in Kansas and Texas. In Alabama, a school bus was hurled into a high school gym.

Certainly, U.S. citizens are no strangers to natural disasters. There are almost a thousand tornadoes recorded In spring and summer every year, especially in certain parts of the country. Most occur in Tornado Alley, an area that, historically, includes Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas. Recently, it has expanded to include a number of Southeastern states.

Injuries and loss of life from disasters are common consequences of these catastrophes. In the aftermath of a tornado, the family medic may end up treating significant traumatic injuries. Preparing to safely weather the storm can help avoid serious consequences.

WHAT ARE TORNADOES?

A tornado is a rotating column of air that contacts both the earth’s surface and the thunderstorm (sometimes called a “supercell”) that spawned it. From a distance, you can tell a tornado by its appearance as a visible dark funnel with flying debris in and around it.

A tornado (also called a “twister”) may have winds of up to 300 miles per hour. Twisters can be accompanied by destructive hail and travel for a number of miles before petering out. If you’re unlucky enough to have a tornado pass close by, it will emit a roaring sound that reminds you of a passing train.

Aside: I can tell you this is true by personal experience; a tornado nearly hit my own home years ago. You never forget the roar. Luckily, I only lost a couple of trees and some roof tiles.

THE FUJITA SCALE

Tornadoes are categorized by the Fujita Scale, with levels ranging from F0 to F5, based on the amount of damage caused. You can expect:

• F0-Light: broken tree branches, mild structural damage, some trees uprooted
• F1-Moderate: broken windows, small tree trunks broken, overturned mobile homes, destruction of carports or toolsheds, roof tiles missing
• F2-Considerable: mobile homes destroyed, major structural damage to frame homes due to flying debris, some large trees snapped in half or uprooted
• F3-Severe: Roofs torn from homes, small frame homes destroyed, most trees snapped and uprooted
• F4-Devastating: strong structure building damaged or destroyed or lifted from foundations, cars lifted and blown away, even large debris airborne
• F5-Incredible: larger building lifted from foundations, trees snapped, uprooted and debarked, multi-ton debris becomes airborne missiles

Although some places may have sirens or other methods of warning you of an approaching tornado, it is important to have a plan of your own to weather the storm.  This plan should extend to your entire family. Children should be taught where to find the medical kits and, if feasible, how to turn off gas and electricity. Training in the use of a fire extinguisher and some the basic treatment of injuries is highly useful as well.

TORNADO ON THE WAY

If you see a twister funnel, take shelter immediately unless your residence is a mobile home. These are especially vulnerable to damage from the winds.  If there’s time, get to the nearest building that has a tornado shelter; underground shelters are best.

If you live in Tornado Alley, consider putting together your own underground shelter (check the link below). At the very least, make sure to access your municipality’s tornado plan and shelter locations.  This goes for your kid’s school as well, as tornadoes may appear during school hours.

Here’s a link: http://www.tornadoproject.com/safety/ism2.pdf

Unlike bunkers and other structures built for long-term protection, a tornado shelter only has to provide safety for a short period of time. As such, it doesn’t have to be very large; 8-10 square feet per person would be acceptable.  Despite this, be sure to consider ventilation and the comfort or special needs of those using the shelter.

If you don’t have your own shelter, find a place in the house where family members can go if a tornado heads your way. Basements, bathrooms, closets, or inside rooms on the first floor are the best options. Stay away from rooms with windows; these can easily shatter from impact due to flying debris. For added protection, get under a heavy object such as a sturdy table.  Covering your body with a sleeping bag or mattress will provide an additional shield.  You might consider planning tornado drills; it’s a great way for the kids to memorize what to do.

TORNADO CAR SAFETY

tornado alley

If you’re on the road and can drive to a shelter, do so. You might be hesitant to leave your vehicle, but remember that cars can be easily tossed around by the winds; you may be safer if there’s a culvert or other protected area lower than the roadway.

In town, leaving the car to enter a sturdy building is the most appropriate course of action. If there is no other option, your car may protect you from some of the flying debris.  Keep your seat belt on, put your head down below the level of the windows, and cover yourself with whatever’s available.

CAUGHT OUTSIDE

If you are caught outside when the tornado hits, stay away from wooded areas. Torn branches and other debris become missiles, so an open field or ditch may be safer. Lying down flat in a low spot in the ground may afford you some protection.  Make sure to cover your head, if at all possible, even if it’s just with your hands.

If you have enough time, fill up your bathtub with water just in case; you’ll need one gallon of water per day for every member of your family.  Be certain to have food and medical supplies stored up as well.

Armed with a plan of action, you’ll have a head start on weathering that storm. Make natural disasters like tornadoes just a bump in the road, not the end of the road, for your family.

Joe Alton MD