A few weeks ago, my daughter, Amanda, and I had quite the adventure that turned pretty
serious. The day started normal enough with some errands we had to run. The first stop was Staples for a TSA Precheck appointment (so we can get through some upcoming airport check-ins quicker.) After that, we treated ourselves with coffee at Starbucks and pedicures. We then did a bit of shopping at Trader Joe's (love that store!) Then we stopped at Chipotle to have a bite to eat and finally made our way to Target...our last errand of the day.
We were having a nice time shopping when our phones alerted us to a tornado watch. We're like, okay, let's wrap this up. But then, the watch turned to a warning. Target staff members hustled everyone in the store away from the windows and we found ourselves hunkered down listening to hail pound the
roof.
Twenty minutes later, the tornado warning was downgraded to thunderstorms. We were cleared to leave Target. We hurried to the car (thank goodness, no hail damage) and left for home. It was raining hard, so I chose one of the backroads versus the freeway where there would be less traffic.
Halfway to our house, our phones sounded another tornado warning. We were driving on a farm road and there was nowhere to pull over safely and take shelter. We nervously keep going, watching for any sign of imminent trouble.
As we were driving, we noticed a whole bunch of people sitting in lawn chairs near a river, in the pouring rain, watching for any funnel clouds. I'm sure they thought it was a fun adventure. In reality, they were putting themselves in potentially grave danger. I yelled out the window, alerting them to the tornado
warning and that they should go somewhere safe. They did not want to leave. We said a little prayer for them.
As we neared our home, we noticed some roads were flooding...another potential danger in bad weather.
When we made it home, safe and sound, we were both relieved.
We learned
later that a tornado crossed the road we were driving on and touched down less than 10 minutes away, causing damage to homes, property, and trees. The tornado pulled the roof off of one home. The man who was in that home while this was happening sustained minor injuries. His home sustained major damage. Terrible, but it could have been so much worse.
While we're used to our tornado siren sounding where we live during this time of the year, this was the closest we ever came to being in one's path.
When it comes to tornados, or other types of storms, it's very important to know
what to do:
1. Stay Informed: Use weather apps or alerts to keep tabs on changing conditions.
2. Have a Plan: Know where you'd go if a
tornado is in your area—basement or lowest interior room is best.
3. Pack Essentials: Keep an emergency kit handy...water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, and first aid supplies...in the room where you will be sheltering in your home. 4. If You're Driving: Being in a vehicle during a tornado warning is not safe.
a) Get to shelter if you can, like into a nearby sturdy building (think a big box store like Target or Wal-Mart.) Get underground if possible or at least away from windows.
If it becomes unsafe to drive and/or you spot a tornado funnel...
b) If you cannot get to shelter and you're far enough away from the tornado, drive at right angles to the tornado’s path to try and get out of its way.
c) Contrary to popular belief, do NOT shelter below an overpass or a bridge. It's a bad idea. These areas can expose you to higher wind speeds and more dangerous flying debris.
d) Do not hide
under your car. A tornado can pick your car up AND drop it down as well. Very dangerous!
e) If you're in imminent danger, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) advises leaving the car if you can “safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway.” In this case, you should get to the low
area, lie down, and cover your head with your hands. However, be aware of the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.
f) If you cannot leave your car, keep your seatbelt on and get as low as you can, below your windows. Do not put your head towards the steering wheel, as your airbag can deploy. Lay to the side with
your head towards the center of your vehicle.
Reflecting on all of this, my daughter Amanda and I experienced firsthand how swiftly a day of errands can turn serious due to unexpected weather. What started as a routine outing quickly escalated with the onset of severe storms and tornado warnings.
As we safely made it home, we were reminded of those less fortunate people nearby whose homes and lives were impacted by the tornado. It's a stark reminder of the dangers tornados pose and the importance of knowing what you can do to help keep yourself safe.
Stay safe!
