Published: May 01, 2008 04:53 pm            

Tornadoes won’t leave you laughing

The earth quaked, our houses shook, and we were all a little rattled. But our reaction was excitement rather than despair, because earthquakes in north-central Indiana are rare and the one that struck April 18 did little damage.

While the earthquake and aftershocks brought almost a pleasant diversion to daily life (while raising the specter of quakes of more serious magnitude), Hoosiers do have to be on their guard against natural disasters.

Specifically, at this time of year, tornadoes will strike quickly and inflict great damage.

If you’re in your mid-50s or older and are a lifelong Hoosier, you’ll probably remember the Palm Sunday tornadoes of April 11, 1965. Eleven tornadoes across 20 counties, including Howard, killed 137 Hoosiers. More recently — Nov. 7, 2005 — tornadoes killed 22 in Vanderburgh and Warren counties.

Yes, it is unlikely that a tornado will ever hit the home where you live. But a sure way to tempt the fates is to remain unprepared. Setting up a plan to save yourself and your family in the event of a tornado is well worth the time investment as a hedge against disaster.

The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., issues the following recommendations:

• Know where you can take shelter in seconds, away from windows and others areas of dangerous debris.

• Practice a family tornado drill at home.

• Have a predetermined place to meet after the tornado.

• Store protective coverings in or near the place where you will take shelter to protect you from flying debris. Mattresses, sleeping bags and thick blankets are good for this purpose.

• Seek shelter under a heavy table or another sturdy piece of furniture for protection.

• Turn on the TV and radio for updates on weather conditions.

• If you take shelter in a basement, stay away from areas where heavy items — refrigerators, pianos, etc. — from above could crash through the floor on top of you.

• Crouch as low to the floor as you can, covering the back of your head with your hands.

For more tips on tornado safety, visit www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.