Staying Safe During High Winds, Hail & Tornadoes

As Severe Weather Preparedness Week continues across North Carolina, today’s focus is on what to do when the warning is issued.

When high winds, hail, or a tornado is approaching, preparation time is over — and action time begins.

Knowing where to go and what to do can save lives.

The Safest Place in Your Home

If a Tornado Warning or destructive severe thunderstorm warning is issued for Rowan County:

Go to the lowest level of your home.

The safest location is:

• A basement, if you have one

• An interior room on the lowest floor

• Away from windows

• Away from exterior walls

Good options include:

• Interior bathrooms

• Closets

• Hallways

• Under stairwells

Avoid:

• Windows

• Garage doors

• Large open rooms with wide-span roofs

If possible, put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.

Why Interior Rooms Matter

Exterior walls and windows are more vulnerable to:

• Flying debris

• Shattering glass

• Structural failure

Interior rooms offer more protection because:

• They are shielded by surrounding walls

• They reduce the chance of debris penetration

• They provide more structural support

In tornadoes, most injuries occur from flying debris — not from the wind itself.

Protecting Yourself From Flying Debris

If you are sheltering:

• Get low to the ground.

• Cover your head and neck.

• Use a mattress, heavy blanket, or helmet for added protection.

• Stay away from windows and glass.

If you have children, make sure they understand how to protect their head and neck.

Every layer of protection matters.

What to Do If You’re Driving

If you are in a vehicle when a Tornado Warning is issued:

Do not try to outrun a tornado in heavy traffic.

Your safest option is:

• Get inside a sturdy building immediately.

If that is not possible:

• Do not park under bridges or overpasses.

• Avoid trees and power lines.

• As a last resort, get to a low-lying area away from vehicles and cover your head.

Vehicles are not safe shelters during tornadoes.

Mobile Home Safety

Mobile homes are especially vulnerable during high wind and tornado events.

If you live in a mobile home:

• Have a plan in place before storms develop.

• Identify a nearby sturdy building or designated shelter.

• Leave immediately when a Tornado Warning is issued.

Waiting until the storm is overhead is too late.

Advance planning is critical.

When High Winds & Hail Strike

Even without a tornado:

• Stay indoors.

• Move away from windows.

• Avoid glass doors.

• Keep pets inside.

Large hail can shatter windows and cause serious injury.

Damaging straight-line winds can be just as destructive as weak tornadoes.

Preparation Before the Storm

Before severe weather develops:

• Know your safe place.

• Make sure everyone in your household understands the plan.

• Keep shoes nearby in case debris is on the floor afterward.

• Have flashlights ready in case of power outages.

When warnings are issued, you won’t have time to think through every step.

Preparation now means faster action later.

Tomorrow, we’ll focus on Lightning Safety and how to reduce your risk during thunderstorms.

Stay weather aware, Rowan County.