What to Do If You Find Yourself in a Car During a Tornado

Tornadoes are unpredictable and powerful forces of nature that can cause significant damage and pose a threat to human lives. While the best approach is to avoid driving during a tornado, sometimes these violent storms can catch us off guard. If you find yourself in a car during a tornado, it’s essential to remain calm and take immediate action to protect yourself.

First and foremost, try to find a safe shelter to take cover in immediately. Ideally, this would be a sturdy building, such as a gas station or a nearby home. However, if there isn’t one readily available, you will need to take shelter in your car. Look for a low-lying area away from trees, power lines, and other potential hazards.

Once you’ve identified a safe spot, you should immediately park your car, turn off the engine, and set the emergency brake. It’s important to stay inside the vehicle as it provides some level of protection from flying debris. Contrary to popular belief, leaving your car to seek shelter in a ditch or other lower ground is not recommended, as you are more exposed to being hit by debris or even the car being sucked up by the tornado.

Next, you should use some form of protection to shield yourself from possible debris. Find anything available inside your car that can provide cover, such as a blanket, jacket, or even the floor mats. Cover yourself as much as possible, particularly your head and neck, which are susceptible to injury during tornadoes.

If you have access to weather updates through your car’s radio or smartphone, listen carefully for any updates or tornado warnings from local authorities. This will help you gauge the severity of the storm and determine when it’s safe to come out of your vehicle.

Furthermore, you should avoid using your mobile phone unless it is necessary to contact emergency services. Overloading cellular networks can hinder rescue coordination efforts during severe weather events. It’s crucial to prioritize calls for help and refrain from nonessential communication until the storm has passed.

In the event that the tornado appears to be coming directly towards your vehicle, you may need to take additional precautions. If possible, lie down flat in the low-lying area of your vehicle, such as the footwell or the backseat, covering your head and neck with your hands. This position will offer additional protection against flying debris, which is the most significant threat during a tornado.

After the tornado has passed, remain cautious and alert as you assess the situation. Check for any injuries you may have sustained during the storm, and if necessary, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Be aware of downed power lines or other dangerous debris that could harm you if you step out of your vehicle.

While it’s important to be prepared and knowledgeable about what to do if you find yourself in a car during a tornado, avoiding driving in severe weather conditions altogether is the safest course of action. Pay attention to weather forecasts, and if there’s a likelihood of severe storms, stay home or find a safe indoor location. Your safety should always be the top priority when dealing with these dangerous natural events.