When a tornado strikes, one of the safest places to be is in a basement. However, not all parts of a basement provide equal protection. Knowing which part of the basement offers the most shelter can help you better protect yourself and your family when a tornado hits.
The Best Spot is Under Something Sturdy Near the Middle
Experts agree that the safest place to be is near the middle of the basement, under something sturdy like a heavy table or workbench. This helps provide protection from falling debris and furnishings if the house collapses. The middle part of the basement has the most structure around it from the foundation and main beams, offering better shielding.
Why the Middle Offers More Protection
When a tornado strikes, strong winds can pick up and throw heavy objects extremely far. Debris from the home or nearby buildings can break through the walls or ceiling of the basement. Parts of the house itself may collapse downwards. Being near the middle, surrounded by the most structure, provides important buffering from such dangers.
The outer walls of the basement are more vulnerable to breakage from winds and flying debris. Corners also tend to be more susceptible to damage as they jut out and have fewer supports. The central area under sturdy cover gives you important peace of mind if a tornado rips apart the rest of the home.
Sturdy Cover Shields You From Falling and Flying Objects
Taking shelter under something strong and anchored like a table or workbench can help protect you from heavy falling debris or furnishings if the house collapses in the tornado. The sturdy furniture can help deflect falling structural materials or possessions. Make sure your protective covering is heavy enough not to be blown away by extreme winds.
Additionally, the shelter of being under an object can help if lighter projectiles such as broken glass or splintered wood penetrate the basement walls or ceiling. Staying under robust cover protects your head and body from incoming hazards.
Avoid Areas Near Windows, Doors, and Outside Walls
Parts of the basement near exterior doors, windows, and outside walls are more dangerous during tornado conditions. More vulnerable to breakage or collapse, these areas also allow strong winds and flying debris to enter the basement space, putting you at higher risk.
Why Exterior Areas Pose More Danger
Windows, doors, and outside walls have less structural stability than the core foundation and frame of the house. During tornado-strength winds, these weaker exterior areas are likely to sustain damage, allowing for intrusion of dangerous external projectiles and introducing the risk of injuries from broken glass.
Sections of walls connected to the exterior may collapse inwards if the tornado forces the roof downwards. Parts of the house itself being thrown into the basement presents a major hazard. Staying away from perimeter areas limits risk from both outside and inside threats.
Internal Debris Becomes Dangerous in Tornadoes
It’s not only exernal debris that poses a risk during a tornado. Internal possessions and building materials unexpectedly become dangerous projectiles as winds lift them up. Sturdy inner walls and supports offer better protection from such internal threats.
Avoid places where interior doors could slam shut on you when opened by extreme winds. Seek large, clear areas without unsecured heavy objects that could easily fall on you for the best shelter.
Middle Areas Under Sturdy Cover Balance Safety and Accessibility
The central part of the basement under robust, anchored furnishings or work spaces balances two important needs: maximum protection and accessibility. Walls and ceilings here are less likely to collapse, allowing easier exit after the storm passes.
Why Accessibility Remains Important
While the absolute safest place in the basement may be a corner totally surrounded by walls, such areas can become inaccessible if debris blocks your exit. The heavy structural damage that allows debris to accumulate can also trap and injure you.
Finding a spot that optimizes safety yet still leaves multiple ways out gives you important flexibility. After the tornado passes, you don’t want to find yourself blocked in.
Prepare Backup Plans for Exiting the Basement
No part of the basement is immune from potential blockage or damage. So while identifying your primary sheltered area, also have backup spots in mind in case debris blocks your way out. And keep any battery-powered flashlights and tools nearby to help clear an exit path.
Having secondary exit routes planned ahead of time lets everyone take shelter in the safest zones without worry of entrapment. Know how to access and clear any windows, doors, or stairs if covered.
Choosing Sturdy Cover and Avoiding Hazards
Picking the right basement location involves trade-offs. While you want sturdy overhead cover, avoid places where heavy unsecured objects could fall and crush you. And while interior areas are best, ensure you don’t get trapped inside if exits are blocked by debris.
Objects to Avoid When Taking Shelter
Certain items commonly found in basements can become dangerous projectiles in high winds:
- Freezers, refrigerators
- Stored boxes and containers
- Garden tools, power equipment
- Shelving units, cabinets
- Furniture without anchors
Give yourself a clear hazard-free zone so you don’t have to worry about nearby items falling onto you during the tornado.
Supplies to Keep in Your Shelter Zone
Having these items readily available can help if you need to take shelter:
- Sturdy shoes, helmet for head protection
- First aid kit
- Whistle or horn to call for help if trapped
- Face/dust masks to filter out airborne particulates
- Battery-powered radio, flashlights, cellphone charger
Keep phones and electronics fully charged. Have clean water and non-perishable foods to get you through an extended wait until you can exit safely.
Prepare Family Members for Tornado Safety
Everyone in your household should understand tornado safety basics and your family’s emergency plan. Teach children the safest location to shelter and the quickest exit routes. Practice periodic tornado drills.
Designate Your Tornado Shelter Area
Make your tornado shelter location clear to all family members. Ensure they understand the safest middle area of the basement to head to under sturdy, anchored furniture there. Show them alternative exit paths if debris blocks the stairs or main doors.
Have a Reunification Point Outside Your Home
Since family members may be in different parts of the home when a tornado hits, establish a designated meeting place outdoors. This reunifcation point, like a specific neighbor’s house or familiar landmark, gives you a place to regroup after the storm passes.
Make sure young children know how to get to this designated spot safely so all can reconnect. Have all family members memorize contact phone numbers in case communication lines go down.
Conclusion
Knowing where to take shelter in a basement during a tornado can save lives. While no location is risk-free, experts agree that the area near the middle under sturdy cover provides the best balance of protection and accessibility. Avoid zones near outside walls, windows and doors which are more vulnerable. Ensuring everyone knows where to shelter, what to avoid, and how to regroup greatly minimizes dangers.
With proper preparation, a basement can provide critical, reliable shelter from deadly tornadoes. By choosing your location carefully, understanding tornado physics, equipping your shelter space properly, and rehearsing safety plans with family, you can dramatically increase your chances of staying protected.