What to do when tornadoes strike

Although a somewhat uncommon occurrence in these parts, residents of Vryheid and surrounding areas recently witnessed, not one, but two tornadoes only days apart.

These erratic and sometimes rather violent and destructive outbursts by Mother Nature herself can strike without warning and, according to several sources, are sometimes not even visible, depending on where they strike.

When a tornado approaches, anyone in its path should take shelter indoors—preferably in a basement or an interior first-floor room or hallway.

• Avoid windows and seek additional protection by getting underneath large, solid pieces of furniture.

• Avoid automobiles and mobile homes, which provide almost no protection from tornadoes.

• Those caught outside should lie flat in a depression or on other low ground and wait for the storm to pass.