For the benefit of those that may have to deal with tornadoes, I heard some information tonight that could give everyone some surprising hope.

A study has just been completed here in the Oklahoma City area that were related to the tornadoes that hit Moore, Oklahoma last year.  Moore is just south of Oklahoma City itself.

It was found that there were 9000 people that DID NOT have storm shelters, but sheltered-in-place in their homes during that May tornado.  In spite of that number, only 13 people lost their lives in the storm.  What helps to provide safety to people in those circumstances is the knowledge of what to do and how to prepare.  Of course, this doesn't apply to people in RV's because they don't offer the safety that a shelter or a regular home does.

Seek shelter in an interior closet, small room, or bathroom that is away from windows.

Wear protective gear such as shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, gloves and a bicycle helmet, if available.

Hunker down in the selected room and cover up with mattresses, or if not feasible for those, cover with blankets or quilts.  It can be amazing how much debris is flying around that a covering of some kind will protect the occupants from injuries.

Do NOT attempt to drive away from the area.

If one is in an RV in an RV park with a storm shelter, don't expect to be able to go into the shelter with pets, chairs, or other things.  Most shelters aren't large enough to allow for all that.  I remember someone asking me if they should take their dogs, chairs and a cooler with drinks to the shelter.  I told them, "None of the above because there simply isn't room enough for anything but people, and they may all have to be standing.

Above all, don't panic.

Surviving an EF-5 Tornado Above Ground

Terry