10 ways to protect you and your family during a tornado

The Standerton Advertiser has provided some useful tips to follow if you are caught in or near a tornado.

READ MORE: At least 50 people injured as Tornado hits Vaal Marina

• The best shelter for protection against a tornado is a basement. In the likely event that there is not a basement in your house, head towards a room without windows on the lowest level of your house or building.
• Cover yourself with pillows, a mattress or blankets.
• Put as many walls between you and the storm outside as possible.
• If you are on holiday, take note that caravans are extremely dangerous during a tornado. Seek shelter elsewhere if possible.
• Avoid windows. Despite the popular belief that opening windows will minimise the pressure and damage of the storm, it will actually lower your protection against the tornado.
• Be aware of the provinces, cities and towns near you. It will be easier to track a tornado’s direction if you are familiar with the geography of your location.
• If you are in a vehicle, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of the nearest stable building. If there are no buildings in the area, lie flat in a ditch and protect your head with your hands.
• Do not seek shelter under a bridge.

A funnel cloud forming on Volksrust Road last year. Photo: Wayne van der Walt

At least 50 people injured as Tornado hits Vaal Marina

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