Tornado Safety

Photo Source: NOAA. Full link below in sources section

What is a Tornado?

As defined by the National Weather Service, a tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground.

Tornado Safety

It is important to note that tornadoes are very violent and the strongest of tornadoes can tear apart a town in a matter of minutes. Tornadoes can also occur with little to no warning so it is crucial you take cover immediately to protect yourself. Below are some more tips to help keep you safe during a tornado.

Abandon mobile homes and campers immediately! These provide virtually no shelter or safety during a tornado
Go into a basement or storm shelter. Try to get underneath something such as a workbench or large table. If no basement or storm shelter is available, go to the lowest level of your home or business in an interior room or bathroom without windows.
Do not open windows or doors.
Most deaths from tornadoes occur from flying debris. Make sure to keep a mattress or blankets in your shelter to cover yourself.
Crouch down as low as possible facing the floor and use your hands to protect your head.
If Trapped outside get as far away from trees and cars as possible, lie flat on the ground with your face down, and use your hands to protect the back of your head.

Tornado Facts

They can strike quickly with little to no warning.
They could be almost transparent before debris and dust are picked up by them.
Although tornadoes can move in any direction, they mostly move Southwest to Northeast.
The average speed of a tornado is 30 M.P.H. although they can be stationary or move up to 70 M.P.H.
A waterspout is a tornado that has formed over water.
Most tornadoes occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

References (click for more information):

http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/severeweather/index.shtml
http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/tornadoes/
http://celebrating200years.noaa.gov/magazine/tornado_forecasting/nssl0123.html (source of photo above)