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Tornadoes
TORNADOES are nature's most violent storms. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 482 kilometres per hour. 

The chance that a tornado will strike a building that you are in is small. However, you can greatly reduce the chance of injury by doing a few simple things. 

1. In a house with a basement: Avoid windows. Get in the basement and under some kind of sturdy protection, such as a heavy table or workbench. Know where very heavy objects are -- pianos, refrigerators, etc. -- and do not go under them. They may fall down through a weakened floor. 

2. In a house with no basement, a dorm, or an apartment: Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, bathroom or closet. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, face down, and cover your head with your hands. A bathtub may offer a shell of partial protection. 

3. Homeowners with no basement may want to consider purchasing a storm shelter. These are available online and in regions prone to experiencing tornadoes. 

4. Interior rooms and halls are the best locations to seek in large buildings. Central stairwells are good, but elevators are not. If the building loses power, you may be in the elevator for a long time. Stay away from glass walls and windows, no matter how small. 

5. If you live in a mobile home, find out from the manager where to go in the event of a tornado (don't wait until you really need the information). Mobile home parks may have a designated tornado shelter, or a steel-reinforced concrete laundry room. If they don't, research the best substantial nearby structure. 

6. After locating the safest place in the house, cover your head with pillows, blankets, cushions or even a mattress. 

7. The Red Cross recommends gathering the following emergency kit: First aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, at least three gallons of water per person, protective clothing, bedding, or sleeping bags, battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members. 

8. Listen to your local (preferably battery-operated) radio or TV stations for updated storm information. Know the difference between a tornado WATCH and WARNING: A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area. A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately. 

9. Do not use candles at any time. If it's dark when you are inspecting your home, use flashlights. Candles could ignite leaking natural gas. 

10. Myth No. 1: One popular belief is that opening a building's window allows the air pressure to equalize as a tornado passes overhead. Not true! Air pressure can equalize itself through normal openings within a building. Stay as far from windows as possible when tornadoes threaten, because of the danger from debris and flying glass. 

11. Myth No. 2: The southwest corner of a building is the safest in a tornado. The Red Cross cannot stress enough: any place near windows is dangerous. The safest places are in your basement, storm cellar or the lowest level of the building. 

12. If you're caught outdoors during a tornado, don't try to outrun it in your car. A tornado can change directions quickly. You should seek shelter indoors immediately. If that isn't possible, get out of your car and duck down in the lowest spot you can find, such as a ditch. This is because a tornado doesn't suck objects up, but blows them around. 

13. After a tornado, do not shut off utilities unless instructed to do so by local officials or unless you are in immediate danger of a gas leak. Remember that the gas supply must be turned back on by a professional. Note: Make sure that you have written instructions (and know where they are) on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water if authorities advise you to do so. 

14. After the storm, proceed with caution. Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities. 

15. Have damage to your property assessed by your insurance company. 
NOTE: The comments contained on this web site are for information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.