10 ways to protect you and your family during a tornado

When tornadoes hit, adequate shelter can mean the difference between life and death.

A storm that formed in Standerton last year. Photo: Wayne van der Walt

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

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.