New life-saving technology introduced amidst tornado season.
Meteorologist Craig “Ceecee” Croskery has dedicated years to identifying and documenting buildings classified as essential shelters during severe weather events, which can be challenging for the public to locate swiftly. Time is of the essence in tornado emergencies, with seconds potentially making the difference between life and death while trying to reach the nearest storm shelter.
“It is crucial as seconds often count, and that additional time can aid individuals in finding safe refuge,” explained AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter.
Despite this urgency, Croskery discovered that many shelters were inadequately marked or did not adhere to FEMA standards. To address this issue, Croskery, a Ph.D. student at Mississippi State University, developed a comprehensive state-by-state database of tornado shelters called findyourtornadoshelter.com. Each location is identified by color-coding, indicating features such as wheelchair accessibility, capacity, pet policies, and more.
These shelters aim to protect all individuals, regardless of their housing situation, as statistics show a significant percentage of tornado-related fatalities occur in homes, particularly in mobile homes. Proper emergency preparation and knowledge of the closest community shelter are crucial for mobile home residents due to their heightened vulnerability.
In the absence of timely access to a shelter, residents are advised to seek refuge in interior rooms without windows, such as closets or bathrooms. For those fortunate enough to have a designated safe space like a basement or storm cellar, that is the preferred option. AccuWeather Senior On-Air Meteorologist Geoff Cornish shared the DUCK acronym for safety during tornadoes: Down to the lowest level, Under something sturdy, Cover your head, and Keep in shelter until the storm passes.
While no location guarantees absolute safety during a tornado, residing in a mobile home during severe weather is especially hazardous. Residents should establish a plan in advance to ensure they have enough time to reach a designated shelter. It is essential to note that some shelters may not open until an active tornado warning is issued, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and swift action during emergencies.
“He mentioned that emergency managers may need to address this going forward,” Fulton said.
“It’s important to have a tornado plan in place that involves familiarizing yourself with the nearest tornado shelter. This way, you’ll know where to go and how to get there without solely relying on GPS,” advised Fulton.
On a Friday evening, March 24, Gene Fulton and his family were driving home in their truck when a tornado struck, causing their vehicle to overturn. Despite the harrowing experience, both Fulton and his family emerged from the tornado relatively unscathed.
Experts recommend that motorists avoid driving during severe weather conditions. However, in the event that one encounters a tornado while on the road, there are strategies to mitigate the risks.
AccuWeather’s Storm Warning Meteorologist, William Clark, emphasized that there are no foolproof options when caught driving near a tornado, only less perilous ones.
“The safest choice is always to seek refuge in a sturdy building, particularly if it’s underground,” stated Clark. “If the tornado is visible from a distance and traffic is light, driving perpendicular to the tornado’s path and finding shelter in a robust structure away from the road is advisable.”
Under no circumstances should one seek shelter under a bridge or overpass, as these structures can intensify wind speeds and provide minimal protection against airborne debris.
If reaching a secure building is unfeasible, experts suggest staying in the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened, crouching as low as possible, and seeking cover while protecting your head.
“In the absence of a safe shelter, either remain in your vehicle and shield your head or exit the vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine,” recommended the National Weather Service.
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