IS A CRAWLSPACE SAFE DURING A TORNADO?
sealtechwaterproofing.com
TORNADOES Tornadoes are characterized by their erratic and chaotic movement. For this reason, such weather events are unpredictable and can cause severe damage despite their short duration. Those columns of rotating air are connected at their top to a thundercloud and their base to the Earth’s surface. Air rising in thunderstorm updrafts can begin to rotate when affected by winds blowing in different directions. In this sense, the air must blow near the ground for the tornado to occur.
First of all, any place underground (basements or warehouses) is the safest place to protect yourself from the fury of a tornado. If you choose the first floor, it could be a bathroom or a closet with no windows. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
DONT'S Avoid sheltering in places like mobile homes or vehicles as they are lightweight and easily tip over in strong winds. If you are near a nearby sturdy building, take cover in it. If you don’t have shelter available, it is best to lie down in a ditch and protect your head from flying debris. If you are in a vehicle during a tornado warning, seek shelter in the nearest permanent structure.
IS THE CRAWL SPACE SAFE DURING A TORNADO? A crawlspace is an area under the house between the ground and the first floor of the building. While this area can be safer than outdoors, it offers limited space, and you are near underground access to powerlines or plumbing. If you choose a crawl space as a shelter, you are at risk if a house collapse occurs above you.
CHOOSING A CRAWL SPACE You can choose a crawl space if you do not have an alternative. However, crawl space built on a house with concrete foundations might be safer than structures with block foundations.
For further information, call your trusted experts on crawl space waterproofing in Charlotte, NC.
sealtechwaterproofing.com