Is it dangerous to be in a car during a tornado?

Is it dangerous to be in a car during a tornado?

In a car or truck: Vehicles are extremely risky in a tornado. There is no safe option when caught in a tornado in a car, just slightly less-dangerous ones. Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat, or other cushion if possible.

Is it safer to be in your car than outside during a tornado?

With these concepts in mind, the safest place to go in a tornado strike is not outside, in your car, or under a highway. The safest place to seek shelter from a tornado is deep inside a strong building where you will be protected from flying debris and collapsing outer walls.

What do you do if you are in a car during a tornado?

If you’re driving during a nearby tornado, do not try to outrun it. You should pull over, duck down below the windows in the vehicle, keep your seatbelts fastened and cover your head with your hands or a blanket or cushion.

What is the most dangerous place to be during a tornado?

Long-span buildings, such as malls, theaters, and gyms, are especially dangerous because the roof is usually supported only by the outside walls. Most buildings like this cannot withstand the pressure from a tornado—they simply collapse. Get to the lowest level of the building (the basement if possible).

Is a car safer than a mobile home in a tornado?

Not ideal, but better than trailer homes. That’s hot air that could get them seriously injured or killed, according to a new study, which finds that cars are less likely than mobile homes to be moved or damaged by tornado-force winds.

Where should you not be during a tornado?

Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others. Go to the basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, center hallway). If possible, avoid sheltering in a room with windows.

Why do tornadoes always hit mobile home parks?

Trailer parks – with their lack of stable foundations and their lightweight structures – suffer a lot of damage in tornadoes [source: MacMath]. The heavier and more secure a building, the safer it is during catastrophic twisters. Mobile homes certainly will suffer more damage than, say, hulking concrete shelters.

What causes the most deaths in a tornado?

Many serious injuries (25%) and almost all (83%) deaths were the result of becoming airborne, while most minor injuries (94%) were due to being struck by objects. Head injury was the most common injury type.

What should you do if you are in a car during a tornado?

If the tornado is imminent and you are forced to stay in your car, the NWS recommends keeping your seat belt on and making sure your head is covered, below your windshield and windows to protect it from glass. The Red Cross recommends covering your head with a blanket, if you have one in the car. (WATCH: How to Drive in Dangerous Weather)

Is it too late to get to safety after a tornado?

By the time you visually confirm a tornado, it may be too late to get to safety since tornadoes can move swiftly and level structures within seconds. Plus, you might not always be able to see the tornado. Tornadoes can be difficult to spot if they’re accompanied by heavy rain or if they occur after sunset.

Can you stay in a mobile home during a tornado?

DO NOT STAY IN A MOBILE HOME DURING A TORNADO. Mobile homes can turn over during strong winds. Even mobile homes with a tie-down system cannot withstand the force of tornado winds. Plan ahead. If you live in a mobile home, go to a nearby building, preferably one with a basement.

What to do if your family is in danger from a tornado?

Use common sense and exercise caution: if you believe that you might be in danger, seek shelter immediately. Your family could be anywhere when a tornado strikes–at home, at work, at school, or in the car. Discuss with your family where the best tornado shelters are and how family members can protect themselves from flying and falling debris.