Where is the Safest Place to be During a Tornado?

Each year, around 1,000 tornados occur in the United States, and each year, those tornados cause an average of 1,500 injuries and 80 deaths.

Don't let your family be a part of those statistics. The middle of a tornado warning is the wrong time to be asking where is the safest place to be during a tornado. Be prepared and do your research now. It could make the difference between life and death.

Basement

If you have a basement or storm cellar, that may be the safest place to be in a tornado.

Basements are underground and offer more protection than any other room in your home. Find a sturdy object to hide underneath, such as a workbench.

Be aware of what is above you in your house. Avoid being under heavy items, such as furniture or appliances. During a tornado, the floors can weaken and cause these items to fall into the basement.

However, when you are in your basement, it doesn't mean you are completely safe against a tornado. In the event of a strong storm, your house could collapse into the basement. Learn more about the dangers of basements here.

Interior Room

No basement? An interior room is your next safest place in your house during a tornado.

Look for an interior room without windows. This is often a closet or an inner hallway. Stay away from glass and remain as low to the ground as possible.

To avoid further injury, consider these tips:

Crouch low to the ground
Cover your head with your hands or a helmet
Cover your body with a blanket or mattress

Always choose an interior room on the lowest level of your house. Even if you aren't at your home, the same safety tips apply.

Bathroom

Wondering where else to hide during a tornado? Try a bathroom.

If you have a bathroom in the interior of your home, this is a good place to hide. Most bathrooms don't have windows, which helps protect you from flying glass.

A bathtub can offer protection around the majority of your body. Crouch down low in the bathtub and cover your body with something soft for extra protection.

Storm Shelter

A storm shelter is the safest place during a tornado.

Shelters come in different sizes to protect anywhere from three to 14 people. The best storm shelters are modular panels installed on a concrete slab in your home.

Above-ground shelters are safe and most convenient to access in case of severe weather. They also offer several emergency exits so they are easy to escape after the storm.

Once you've decided to install a storm shelter, you need to make sure it's equipped with supplies. Read this article to discover the top five essential items to keep in your tornado shelter.