Tornado season is upon us, but that doesn’t mean it should take the wind out of you!
Tornados arise all year long, appearing most frequently during the spring months, with the highest occurrences happening in May. If the visual of a violent rotation of air coming toward your work vehicle isn’t eye-opening enough, consider these facts:
- In 2020, the were 1,248 tornados across the U.S. alone.
- Texas is the most active state for tornadoes, followed by Kansas and Florida.
- According to National Geographic, U.S. tornadoes injure more than 1,500 people per year.
Given the varied sizes, loads, and special conditions involved in operating trucks and delivery vehicles, drivers must take extra care and precaution to protect themselves during these natural phenomena. If this applies to you, these five tips can help!
#1: Understand the difference between a watch and a warning
A tornado watch and warning must be taken seriously, but both should incite different action responses. The Storm Prediction Center issues a watch when conditions are favorable for a potential tornado. In this instance, drivers should familiarize themselves with their routes and potential shelter spots for themselves and their vehicles while continuously monitoring weather coverage.
If you’re alerted of a warning, now is the time to pump the breaks. A warning indicates a tornado has been sited or a very likely chance that a tornado will soon develop in your area. With an issued warning, seek safe shelter immediately.
#2: Ensure your vehicle is equipped with valuable technology
Technology has provided us with ample ways to remain safe, and this is undoubtedly reflected in the life of a moving transportation professional. If you’re in the driver’s seat, you may or not be responsible for which technology you use. However, knowing what benefits you can utilize with specific technology can help you make an investment case to your manager, ensuring you’re equipping your vehicle with what you’d find most helpful.
While there is ample telematics to utilize for maximized communication, visibility, and efficiency in the cab, safety is the driving factor in the realm of tornadoes. With enhanced video technology, you can gain insight into what speeds are appropriate during inclement weather conditions, a video witness in the unfortunate event of a hazardous incident, and proactive tips around your safety performance.
#3: Prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario
While taking proactive measures to protect yourself during a tornado is always the foremost approach you should take, understanding what to do in a dangerous event is imperative.
If you cannot reach shelter, aim to get off the road as soon as possible and steer clear of sitting duck situations where you’re parked illegally on the side of a highway or interstate. Additionally, do not hide under bridges or underpasses, as winds are higher in these areas and bring more debris.
Based on your situation, here’s what preparedness experts recommend:
- If you have time to seek immediate shelter, try to find a position in the center of the building on a floor with limited or no windows.
- If you have no time to seek shelter but can abandon your vehicle, do so. Duck and cover in a ditch or a low field, and get as far away from your vehicle as possible.
- If you have no time to leave your vehicle, put your seatbelt on, cover your head with a blanket or your hands, and keep your head at a lower level than your windows and windshield.
#4: Don’t underestimate the aftermath
You may believe you’re in the clear once a tornado passes, but caution is still necessary. Look out for debris, construction, potholes, or fallen wires.
To err on the side of caution, aim to drive slower and more cautiously than you usually would. Being especially alert of your surroundings helps keep you and your road neighbors safe. For example, while debris may not be blocking your lane, it may be blocking the lane next to you. By taking note of this ahead of time, you can prepare for merging vehicles and ensure you’re not caught in a sideswipe incident.
#5: Stock up on essentials
A tornado or natural disaster emergency kit is something you hope never to use but should always keep on hand — especially if you’re driving through a heavy tornado region, like Tornado Alley.
You’ll want to equip your emergency kit with items that can help you withstand being stuck on the road for an excess amount of time, including:
- Water bottles
- Non-perishable food, such as canned and pre-packaged food
- A can opener
- A battery-operated radio
- First-aid supplies
- A whistle to signal for help
- A blanket
- A flashlight
With these necessities and our tips in your back pocket, you’ll whoosh by tornado season with the knowledge and safety measures you need to protect yourself.
Stay safe, drivers! For more weather-related suggestions, read our article on freight travel tips during hurricane season!