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5. Tornado Damage
The damage associated with a tornado is primarily related to its windspeed. It was commonly assumed in the past that the rapid fall in pressure associated with the passage of a tornado caused houses to explode as air within the house (that was adjusted to 'normal'pressure) rushed out. The solution that was proposed was to open windows to allow the pressures inside and outside to equalise quickly. However, it is the windspeed and the debris that is being hurled by the storm that is the greatest threat. Those caught in a tornado are advised to go down into basements or into underground cellars for protection. If these are not available select a room that is relatively strong, like a bathroom where the pipes in the wall will provide additional protection. If you are outside you are urged not to stay in cars (which can be easily lifted) but instead to lie down in a nearby ditch. As you will be aware from news reports the most vulnerable shelters are mobile homes. These are relatively light and bulky buildings that provide little resistance. 'Trailer parks' as they are called in the US are usually occupied by poorer communities and are frequently found in the flatter land in the suburbs where there is little shelter from strong winds.
