Surviving a Tornado: Best Practices for Stilted Houses
Living in a house on stilts can be a unique and fascinating experience, but it also poses some unique challenges, especially in the face of a tornado. This article will guide you through the best practices to ensure your safety when a tornado is approaching. Whether your house is elevated due to flood control requirements or you prefer a stilted design, knowing where to go can be critical.
The Best Places to Seek Shelter
When a tornado is coming, your safety is the top priority. Here are the best options for where to go, tailored specifically for stilted houses:
Lowest Level
If you have a house on stilts, it might not have a traditional basement, but you should seek the lowest level possible within your home. If you have a small enclosed area under the house that is safe and dry, it might be better than being exposed. This area provides some protection from the wind and flying debris, even if it's not as robust as a basement in a regular house.
Interior Room
If going underneath your house isn't an option, move to an interior room on the lowest level of your home. A bathroom or closet without windows can offer better protection from flying debris. The enclosed space will help minimize the impact of the storm, making it safer for you to hunker down.
Avoid Upper Floors
Stay away from upper floors or attics. Higher up in the house, you are more vulnerable to the wind and any debris that may be blown through the area. These upper levels are not designed to withstand high-speed wind and may be more likely to collapse or suffer significant damage.
Do Not Stay in Your Car
It is generally unsafe to stay in your car during a tornado. If you can find a sturdy building, seek shelter under the nearest building that can provide substantial protection. If you can't find a suitable shelter, lie flat in a low-lying area like a ditch and cover your head to protect from flying debris.
Evacuate if Necessary
If you have time and it's safe to do so, evacuate to a nearby storm shelter or a sturdy building away from the tornado's path. This is particularly important if your house is not designed to withstand 200-mile-per-hour winds or if you have reason to believe it may not be strong enough.
Additional Guidelines for Stilted Houses
If you do not have a basement or crawl space, go to an inside room on the lowest floor of your house. A center hallway bathroom or closet, without windows, is ideal. Avoid places where heavy objects might fall directly above you. Take shelter in a small, centralized space to protect yourself from debris and falling objects.
Building Your Own Secure Shelter
For those in highly vulnerable areas, you might consider building your own secure shelter. Here are three options:
Concrete Block Dome Shelter
Create a round structure using concrete blocks with rebar placed on every course of bricks. This can be built at ground level under your current house, providing a safe and sturdy shelter. This design can withstand extreme weather conditions, including tornadoes and even nuclear blasts.
Freestanding Dome Shelter
Build a freestanding shelter with a domed concrete roof and concrete block walls. These shelters have been known to survive extreme conditions, such as nuclear explosions. This structure can be anchored to the ground to ensure stability during a tornado.
Used Shipping Container Shelter
Another option is to purchase a used shipping container, anchor it to the ground, and convert it into a comfortable room. This container can be fitted with electricity, air conditioning, basic plumbing, a bed, chairs, and essential supplies like food, water, a small TV, and a radio. It provides a safe and secure location to ride out a tornado.
Conclusion
Tornado safety is crucial, and having a plan in place for tornado emergencies is essential. If you live in a stilted house, knowing the best places to seek shelter and preparing your own secure shelter can significantly enhance your safety. Stay informed through weather alerts and always have a plan in place to protect yourself and your family.