Last summer, we had a few tornado scares in Southern Alberta. Working at the Red Cross, I felt as though I was prepared to stay safe. However, I learned that there are actually a lot of myths around tornado safety. Here are some of the most common ones:
Myth #1: If you’re out on a highway, the best place to seek shelter is under an overpass.
This is probably one of the most common tornado myths! While an overpass might seem like a good place to seek shelter, it is actually a very dangerous place to be during a tornado. Wind speeds increase through narrow openings, and debris can get caught easily. If you are on a highway when a tornado is approaching, try to get to a low ditch and lay flat with your arms over your head.
Myth #2: A Tornado “watch” and “warning” are the same thing.
Both alerts are important but they are not the same, and understanding the difference between the two is necessary in ensuring your safety. A tornado watch means that the potential exists for a tornado to occur and you should be prepared. A tornado warning means that a tornado is more imminent and requires immediate action.
Myth #3: Geographical attributes, such as rivers, mountains or lakes, can protect certain areas from Tornados.
Tornadoes do not discriminate based on a regions landscape. They are not diverted by mountains, lakes or rivers. Tornadoes have been documented in the mountains and if you recall, a deadly tornado struck Pine Lake, Alberta in 2000.
Myth #4: Tornadoes do not hit big cities.
Similar to Myth #3, tornadoes are not deterred by any geography or structure. In fact, tornadoes have hit large metropolitan areas in the past, so it is important to always know the risks and be prepared no matter where you live.
Myth #5: Opening windows will equalize the pressure and minimize damage.
While those of us without a physics background may be keen to believe this theory, it is also not true. Opening windows in your home can actually put you at greater risk during a tornado. When a tornado is approaching put as many walls between you and the exterior of the house as you can. Ideally, this means getting to a basement or interior room without windows.
Myth #6: The southwest corner of your basement is the safest place to be during a tornado.
According to Weather Underground, this is actually an “old wives tale, derived from the idea that most tornadoes approach from the southwest.” In fact, there is no place that is safer than another in your basement, just be sure to stay as far away from the windows as possible.
Looking to learn more? Take a moment to learn about safety and warning signs here and as always, be ready: find out more about the risks in your community, make a plan, and get a kit.
Myth #1: If you’re out on a highway, the best place to seek shelter is under an overpass.
This is probably one of the most common tornado myths! While an overpass might seem like a good place to seek shelter, it is actually a very dangerous place to be during a tornado. Wind speeds increase through narrow openings, and debris can get caught easily. If you are on a highway when a tornado is approaching, try to get to a low ditch and lay flat with your arms over your head.
Myth #2: A Tornado “watch” and “warning” are the same thing.
Both alerts are important but they are not the same, and understanding the difference between the two is necessary in ensuring your safety. A tornado watch means that the potential exists for a tornado to occur and you should be prepared. A tornado warning means that a tornado is more imminent and requires immediate action.
Myth #3: Geographical attributes, such as rivers, mountains or lakes, can protect certain areas from Tornados.
Tornadoes do not discriminate based on a regions landscape. They are not diverted by mountains, lakes or rivers. Tornadoes have been documented in the mountains and if you recall, a deadly tornado struck Pine Lake, Alberta in 2000.
Myth #4: Tornadoes do not hit big cities.
Similar to Myth #3, tornadoes are not deterred by any geography or structure. In fact, tornadoes have hit large metropolitan areas in the past, so it is important to always know the risks and be prepared no matter where you live.
Myth #5: Opening windows will equalize the pressure and minimize damage.
While those of us without a physics background may be keen to believe this theory, it is also not true. Opening windows in your home can actually put you at greater risk during a tornado. When a tornado is approaching put as many walls between you and the exterior of the house as you can. Ideally, this means getting to a basement or interior room without windows.
Myth #6: The southwest corner of your basement is the safest place to be during a tornado.
According to Weather Underground, this is actually an “old wives tale, derived from the idea that most tornadoes approach from the southwest.” In fact, there is no place that is safer than another in your basement, just be sure to stay as far away from the windows as possible.
Looking to learn more? Take a moment to learn about safety and warning signs here and as always, be ready: find out more about the risks in your community, make a plan, and get a kit.
