Taking Shelter

Where to take Shelter:

An underground shelter away from your house is the best place to be. If you do not have an underground shelter, go to the basement and cover your head with your arms and crouch under a sturdy table or workbench in an interior room away from windows. Know where there are heavy objects on the floor above you and avoid those areas as a tornado can level your home and weaken floors.

If you are in a home without a basement, in a dorm, or an apartment go to the lowest floor, and smallest center/interior room like a bathroom or closet, under a stairwell, or an interior hallway with no windows. Cover yourself with a mattress, sleeping bag, or some sort of thick padding.

If you are at work, at the shopping center, church, theatre etc., learn where there are small storage rooms, bathrooms or other interior room areas without windows. Do not use elevators! Take shelter in an interior room and crouch under a sturdy desk if available, cover the back of your head with your arms. Stairwells on the lower level are also a good place to take shelter.

Mobile homes and campers are no place to be in a tornado or severe storm. Check to see if a community shelter is available and know where it is. In the event of a severe storm get out as quickly as possible! Get as far away from the mobile home or camper in an area away from trees and cars. Take shelter in a permanent building if one is available. If not, lie flat, face down on low ground, preferably in a ditch, protecting your head with your arms.

At school be sure to follow the drill! Make sure your children understand the dangers of severe weather and the importance of following the tornado drills. Listen to your teacher or instructor for directions. Go to the interior hall or room in an orderly way. Crouch low, head down, and protect the back of your head with your arms. Stay away from windows and large open rooms like gymnasiums, cafeterias, and auditoriums.

If you are traveling in a vehicle or on a bus, this is not a place you want to be. Vehicles are extremely dangerous in a tornado. If the tornado is far enough away, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado. If the tornado is close or traffic is heavy and you are in an urban area, do not try to outrun it. Park your car and seek shelter in a permanent building if available. If you are out in open country, get to the lowest ground level, preferably a ditch. lie flat, face down protecting your head with your arms. Avoid seeking shelter under bridges - they can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris and deadly winds.

For more information, please check out our quick links on preparing for disaster, or we’ll be happy to assist you in any way possible.  Just call (334) 414-5158 or email us at info@lifetechstormshelters.com.