With severe weather season upon us, it's time to think about safety! A lot of times, it's intuitive that the basement is the safest spot. But what if you don't have a basement? What if you live in a mobile home?
First, let's consider a two-story home as an example. The home below has an outstairs porch. If that is looking west, you may think it gives you a great vantage point to look west in the direction of a tornado. But being here puts you at risk of flying debris and lightning. You want to be inside, away from windows. So, it's a no-brainer that you don't want to be outside.
Upper-level, but without a window? Seems safe. But the wind within a storm or tornado increases with height and the farther up you are in elevation, the more at risk you'll be.
Lower-level, with a window? Just as bad! To be safe, you want to be as far away from flying glass as you can be. An interior closet or hallway will offer at least some protection.
Lower-level, without a window? This may be okay. But in stronger storms, debris may actually puncture the side of the house, putting you at risk. Putting as many walls between you and the outside is of utmost importance!
Basement, with no windows? This is the best part. Tornadoes and straight-line wind are able to carry debris, accelerating it to speeds more than 100 m.p.h. Debris can't be put into the basement if you are below ground-level.
But there's one place that's better than a basement with no windows. That's under the stairs in the basement. A lot of times we use this place for storage, but clearing a spot for safe shelter under the staircase is a really good idea!
And for kids, putting a few kid-friendly things there like games, stuffed animals, and even a game console, are friendly things that will make taking shelter a little more bearable.
And as always, downloading the StormTrack 8 Weather App will keep you even safer!
Stay ahead of the weather! Download the News 8 Weather App — for iOS, click here and for Android, click here
Download the free News 8 App — for iOS, click here and for Android, click here
-Meteorologist Eric Sorensen
