Gimme Shelter from Spring Storms
Hail, tornadoes, and hurricanes, oh, my! When the worst kind of weather approaches this spring, a plan for seeking shelter keeps you safe, says John Pike. A meteorologist who issues tornado warnings in parts of North Texas — right in the heart of Tornado Alley — for the National Weather Service, Pike names two big missteps people make as tornadoes approach:
They don’t know when to go. If you miss media coverage or alerts for approaching storms, getting caught off guard can put you at risk.
So have a backup plan. “The best way is through a weather radio,” Pike says. “Whenever we issue warnings and [the weather radio is] programmed … it will go off, like an alarm clock.”
They don’t know where to go. “The ideal thing would be to have a storm shelter or safe room, but they’re expensive,” Pike says. “If you don’t have one … go to an interior room in the middle of the house.”
If a tornado approaches, he advises families living in houses to “shelter in place” and warns against trying to drive to a shelter. “There could be 5 to 10 minutes lead time,” he warns. That’s not enough.
Shelter for all types of weather
Safety counts when dealing with unpredictable Mother Nature. But what if you get caught in a spring storm? Arm yourself with expert recommendations about shelter during storms and natural disasters from the NWS .
Tornado
At home: Shelter underground in a storm cellar for maximum safety. But a small, interior room on the ground floor can be your next best bet. And remember to cover your head: Flying debris ranks as tornados’ No. 1 cause of fatility, according to NWS.
In a mobile home: These structures simply aren’t safe during a tornado, warns NWS. Plan to get to the closest sturdy shelter as potential storms approach — before the NWS issues a tornado warning.
In a car: Stay in your car with the seat belt buckled, says NWS, or lie in a ditch that’s lower than the roadway and cover your head with your hands. Use your best judgment to choose.
Hailstorm
If you have warning, move your car into a garage, but first and foremost, you and your loved ones should head indoors.
Thunderstorm
Shelter inside a building. Pergolas and open-sided pavilions do not provide adequate protection against lightning.
Earthquake
The ground does shake in parts of Texas. In such cases, NWS defers to the Department of Homeland Security earthquake site, which says:
- Resist the urge to run outside; stay inside.
- Don’t stand in a doorway.
- Drop to the ground and cover your head.
- Crawl beneath a sturdy table or desk, if possible.
Flood
At Home: When floodwaters rise, monitor news outlets, social media, and a weather radio. Don’t wait until it’s too late to evacuate.
In Your Car: When driving during flood conditions, heed this safety mantra about water-covered roads: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
Hurricane
Heed evacuation orders. If not mandated to leave your home, shelter in an interior room and stay away from windows and skylights.
Wildfire
Fast-moving fires can leave little time to find shelter. Create an action plan that:
- Ensures you have supplies like water and blankets.
- Allows you to track the fire’s movement.
- Helps you understand escape routes.
Prepare Your Policy, Too
Everything from homes and barns to vehicles and farm equipment need policies sufficient to help weather the financial fallout of natural disasters. Call your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent today to schedule a 360 Review.