Steve Kovacs

Hey, It's Tornado Season, Know These Three Simple Things!



Posted: Sunday, May 03, 2009

by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective

Tornado season is May to July depending on which part of the country you are from and every year we are inundated with things we should do. The information year in and year out seems to be the same old-same old, not very easy to understand or remember. Not so, here- read on and learn some simple and easy to understand tips, which will make you feel and actually be, more secure.

Some expert's feel 2009 may be the worst tornado season in years and having some basic knowledge according to many, is in order. Tornados are the most violent storms in the world with wind speeds far exceeding that of hurricanes. Contrary to what most people think, most occur not at night, but between the hours of 2:00 and 10:00 PM. They can occur at any time of the year if conditions are favorable. Most injuries sustained are from flying debris.

Here are Three Easy to Understand and Easy to Remember Tips for Your Safety:

1- Tornado Watch or Tornado Warning-which one is the serious one? Tornado Warning means authorities are warning you to take cover. These words mean a tornado is imminent (a funnel cloud has touched ground nearby). So, if you're anything like I am and every year you wonder which is worse, tornado watch or warning, remember, when you here the word WARNING, they are WARNING you to actually take cover.

2- The best way to survive a tornado is to be underground. For most people this means a basement. If you cannot go underground go to the center of a home or as close to the center of the home as possible, preferably a bathroom. All the plumbing in a bathroom reinforces that room, which will help you be more secure.

3- Get a weather radio. These radios are about twenty dollars. They stay silent and can just sit quietly in a corner of a room in your house, however, if there is severe weather in your area it goes off with an audible alarm, along with details, and advice on what is occurring. These radios are great to have; they are working in silence day and night for your safety.

In addition, many people wonder why tornados always seem to hit areas where mobile homes are located. This just seems so because these homes simply cannot stand up to tornados. Actually, some statistics show you are safer in a ditch than in a mobile home!

Most tornados are not devastating ones that cause massive devastation. However, ALL tornados are extremely dangerous and simple yet effective advance planning on what we should do "just in case" is a necessity.

Steve is the author of Protect Yourself: The Simple Keys Women Need to be Safe and Secure. He is the host of the Internet Radio Talk Show, The Kovacs Perspective http://www.thekovacsperspective.com/ where he interviews experts in various fields, geared to help and inform. Steve also does on-line current events & political audio commentary.

Steve's background is in law enforcement, security, investigations, teaching and he is also the president of a small specialty investigation company: http://www.allsourcesecurity.com/investigations.htm. Contact Steve any time at:info@thekovacsperspective.com

This Article has been viewed 1,989 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)
» left by Anonymous
 3 years 21 days ago.
Steve:
 
Great article, thanks for the reminders and tips--simple, yet important for yearly review. I think now I'll remember the difference between a Watch and a Warning. I've often been confused, or maybe moreso forgetful, of which is more severe.
 
My old office has one of those weather radios. The first time I heard the alarm sound, I, myself, was-well-alarmed! I'm definitely going to consider purchasing another one for my new office.
 
Out of curiousity, do local communities have sounding devices (i.e. sirens) that alert residents of such possible tornados? I seem to remember as a kid hearing something that could possibly have been such a thing. Is this something I should check with my local fire department about?
 
Again, thanks for the reminders and let's hope for no 'touch downs' in my area.
» left by Steve Kovacs 3 years 19 days ago.
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Thanks for writing.  Yes, many communities DO have tornado sirens, which are a great tool to inform people.  Checking with your local community is a great idea, thanks for bringing it up.

» left by Avis Ward
 3 years 20 days ago.
132 fans.
Steve, I agree with you, "three simple things" that we should know! I hope many others will read this to be better prepared and protected. Thank you for this important information. Also, thank you for becoming a fan. Happy Sunday!
» left by Steve Kovacs 3 years 19 days ago.
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Thanks for commenting and for your kind words and the privilege of being your fan.

 

 

» left by Linda DeWitt
 3 years 20 days ago.
67 fans. Follow Linda DeWitt on twitter!
Good article. Very informative. I always forget when the months for Tornado season is at it's worst. I want to go to see my Dad in Ark. but thanks to you I'll have to remember to plan it a little later in the year. Thanks for the article.

Linda D
» left by Steve Kovacs 3 years 19 days ago.
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Hi Linda, thanks for writing and be careful when you visit your dad--but enjoy your self!
» left by Ken McCreless
 3 years 20 days ago.
Great advice, Steve. A little preparation will go a long way to prevent death and injury.
» left by Steve Kovacs 3 years 19 days ago.
96 fans. Follow Steve Kovacs on twitter!
Thanks for writing, I appreciate it.  Yes,  I think a little preperation can make all the difference...thanks again for stopping by.
» left by Brianna Popsickle 3 years 17 days ago.
121 fans.
Thanks for some great reminders Steve!
» left by Steve Kovacs 3 years 17 days ago.
96 fans. Follow Steve Kovacs on twitter!

Thanks for reading and commenting—hopefully you’ll never come anywhere near a tornado but if so, I hope the article helps you out!

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