Two tornados touched down a week ago on Sunday.
There was an EF-1 in Arlington and an EF-0 in North Fort Worth and Eagle Mountain Lake.
Fortunately, no lives were lost.
The tornados tore up trees and rooftops throughout their paths, even bringing down trees and power poles in front of a nursing home on Matlock Rd. The EF-0 passed through Crawford Farms and Vista Meadows subdivisions, and the EF-1 struck near Texas Rangers turf, Globe Life Park.
No one was killed in either of the two storms, but that doesn’t mean that being prepared isn’t crucial whenever severe weather strikes.
The City of Arlington was quick to respond with safety tips for all area residents. Here is what they recommend when dealing with tornados:
1. Get inside. This is the single most important thing to do in a severe weather situation.
The number-one cause of death and injury during a tornado is flying debris, and being
out in the open maximizes the risk.
Once inside, it’s important to get as close to the center of the building or structure as
possible. Try to rule out any rooms that border the outside, and especially any rooms
with direct openings to the outdoors such as doors or windows. Glass can shatter and
harm you, and flying objects can crash through—not to mention that, if the windows or
doors are ripped open, there will be nothing between your and the tornado.
2. Get down. More specifically, get low. If there is a basement, go there. Being completely
underground is the absolute safest place you can be during a tornado—again, avoiding
windows and direct exits. If there is no basement, the lowest floor is the next-best option.
And, just like in recommendation number one, try to stay as close to the center of the
floor as possible.
3. Get covered. Flying debris is by far the most common cause of death and injury during
a tornado. Cover up with blankets, pillows, jackets, and anything you have at hand that
will help cushion any impact. If there are helmets and other protective sporting gear
around, put them on. Anything that will minimize impact injury of a flying object will be
your best friend in these situation.
Follow these three tips to minimize your level of risk during severe weather situations, and
remember: It’s always better to be prepared!