or, "why you shouldn't seek shelter in a basement corner"
This
is Mike Winkler's house in Hallam, Nebraska.
Mike
is also a storm spotter for Lancaster County.
Notice
in the various photos below, how his house slid off of its foundation,
completely
exposing two of the corners of the basement. The advice a long time
ago
was to get into the southwest corner. However, we now know that a
house can be
lifted
or slide off of its foundation exposing any of the four corners and putting
those
seeking
shelter there at risk of injury or death from flying debris.
So
where should you be? Center of the lowest floor (basement) underneath
something
sturdy
like a table or with your head covered by a mattress, pillows, etc. The
storage
area
underneath the basement stairs would be another alternative if available.
AND
STAY AWAY FROM THE CORNERS AND WALLS.
all
photos ©K. Dewey, High Plains Regional Climate Center.
all
photos ©K. Dewey, High Plains Regional Climate Center.
all
photos ©K. Dewey, High Plains Regional Climate Center.
all
photos ©K. Dewey, High Plains Regional Climate Center.
all
photos ©K. Dewey, High Plains Regional Climate Center.