How to Build an In-Home Tornado Shelter
Tornadoes develop in warm, humid air in front of cold fronts. High winds push debris through the air, knock over trees and take the roofs off of houses. The strongest storms have winds that can exceed 250 mph. Tornadoes form suddenly, so it's wise to have shelter and a plan in place if you live in an area with tornado activity. Greenish skies, large hail, a wall cloud and a sound similar to a freight train are warning signs that a tornado is approaching. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select a first-floor, interior room or large closet that has no windows. Reinforce the walls with steel panels or extra framing.
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Replace the hollow-core door with a solid core, exterior door. Remove the short screws holding the hinges into the doorjamb and replace them with long screws.
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Make sure the door will stay firmly closed. If it won't, install a simple lock that will keep the door closed, but won't be difficult for children or the elderly to open.
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Put a thick piece of foam or a mattress in the room to pull over the occupants if the storm is especially severe.
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Outfit the room with a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit and a gallon of water for each person in the room. Store a battery powered, or hand cranked, weather radio in the room. Install a phone line, or carry your cell phone into the room so you can call rescuers.
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Tips & Warnings
Most tornadoes only last a few minutes, so the amount of oxygen in the room shouldn't be an issue. Let neighbors know that you have a tornado shelter in your home. If your home is destroyed in a storm, rescuers will know where to look for you. If you have no windowless rooms, use a closet in an interior hallway.
Don't put steel in the ceiling, as it may collapse on you. Mobile homes offer no protection from tornadoes. Plan to leave as soon as a warning is issued.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit NOAA
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Comments
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sarahlynnknows
Dec 29, 2009
This is really helpful. Thank you!
