FamilySAFE has put together some very interesting facts about tornadoes and about shelter that you should know when deciding how to keep your FamilySAFE. There are phone numbers at the bottom of the page to help you verify these facts and ask the right questions.
- FACT: According to Texas Tech University a properly built, tested, and installed saferoom is effective in 99.99% of all tornadoes, including F5 tornadoes. This has been documented and proven.
- FACT: Texas Tech university has been investigating tornadoes and tornado damage for over 30 years. They have never once seen a slab with the proper footings and minimal cement requirement (such as a home slab) lifted or moved. If air can not get under the slab, it can not lift the slab. (Physics)
- FACT: A common misconception is that a heavy vehicle may be lifted by a tornado and thrown onto an above ground shelter destroying it. The fact is, very few tornadoes will ever lift a car over three feet off of the ground. In most cases cars are rolled at speeds less than that of 30 mph. According to NOAA, which rates tornadoes for the F scale rating, the reason the Oklahoma City Tornadoes of 1999 were rated an F5 was because they found two compact cars that had been thrown over a ¼ mile away. This was an F5, but it did not throw 50 ton trucks and trains.
- FACT: If you live in tornado alley, odds are you will be in or near a tornado in your lifetime. The smart thing to do is be prepared, but be smart.
- FACT: According to FEMA, NOAA, and Texas Tech University most people killed or seriously injured in tornadoes are exiting their home to seek shelter. Several people each year are injured trying to get to their shelter or get into it. When do you want to go out into the storm to a dark hole in the ground? Probably not till you know you have to. By then it may be too late. The smartest move is to have a shelter inside your home high and dry.
Texas Tech University's Wind Engineering Research Center
806.742.3476 X339 (Dr. Larry Tanner)
For additional hurricane information please visit
www.hurricaneshuttershq.com |
