Is It Safe Using Public Tornado Shelter in this Pandemic?
In the United States, the COVID-19 is making the headlines and nearly every aspect of our lives. Life has been altered by this pandemic. Apart from virus threat, this is also a very tough time of year in regards of weather in many parts of the world. The seasons for tornado activity are typically spring and early summer.
Tornadoes pose a threat to homes and facilities in many areas of the world. Furthermore, some people lack in enough safe spaces in their homes and may seek refuge in tornado shelters. But, in the event of a coronavirus pandemic, should people search out such public spaces?
As we step in a particularly active extreme weather season, the COVID-19 poses a number of difficulties. Because of social distancing rules, many public buildings that were used as storm shelters, such as classrooms, community centers, and supermarkets, have closed. The AMS Council adopted an official statement on April 9th, 2020 that included the following key recommendations:
Now is the time to prepare for extreme weather.
Choosing the best storm shelter location in your home or company. A cellar or a windowless interior space in a building.
Having a “Plan B” in place if the home lacks proper tornado shelter. This involves getting a backup shelter plan in place.
Checking to see if any established shelters in your region will be available in the pandemic.
If you need to seek shelter, when do you do so? The AMS Statement is, “If you need to travel to seek shelter, and the shelter you travel to is open, make sure that you complete your travel before a tornado warning is issued for your area.” Rather than responding after alerts have been given, this advice allows you to be aware of the weather, if not days, ahead of the severe weather threat.
What Are the Recommendations?
Check the weather reports from the local authority and social media.
Cross check the weather forecast before sleeping.
Use all apps for weather notifications and radio statements.
Be proverbial with websites like NOAA's. Before moving to a shelter, the AMS statement suggests familiarizing yourself with the CDC's COVID-19 coronavirus guidelines. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready.gov website also has insights on storm preparedness.
At EF5 Tornado Shelter, we prepare tornado shelters for households. You can choose it to be under ground or above the ground in OKC.