or, "why you shouldn't seek shelter in a basement corner"
Here
are some more homes in Hallam that slid off of their foundation, exposing
the
basement
corners.
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.
Notice
that the front door is now well to the left of the front steps.
all
photos ©K. Dewey, High Plains Regional Climate Center.
Looking
closer reveals that the house has slid off of the foundation, exposing
the
basement
corners and walls to flying debris.
all
photos ©K. Dewey, High Plains Regional Climate Center.
This
house has slid off of its foundation (note the stranded front porch) and
debris
drifted into the open basement.
all
photos ©K. Dewey, High Plains Regional Climate Center.
This
house slid off of its foundation (toward the left) and cinder
blocks
and other debris fell into the exposed basement corner.
all
photos ©K. Dewey, High Plains Regional Climate Center.
This
house moved to the right off of its foundation. Note the air conditer
units
ready
to fall into the open basement.