The Community Weather Safety Standard

Let us start with this simple premise.  If a strong to violent EF3-EF5 tornado is bearing down on you, there are no assurances of safety or survivability unless you are below ground or in a concrete and steel reinforced building designed for tornadic winds.  This would be considered the "Best Possible Shelter".  This includes all manufactured as well as stick-built homes.  Your safety is only assured by your getting out of the wind and debris path.  We also know that there is no way to know a tornado's strength when a warning is issued.  So we suggest you treat sheltering for every tornado warning the same.

In reality, most people do not have access to "Best Possible Shelter", but the best of what is available.  When you feel threatened by dangerous weather, while there are historic rules of 'do's and don'ts', many may not apply to your specific situation.  For some, sheltering in your existing manufactured home may be the best option you have at the time.  For others, who do not feel safe there, it could be to get in your vehicle and drive away from the threat.  Still for others it may be a nearby concrete building, 24/7 business or even a low-lying ditch or ravine.

Some communities in some states in the US have community shelters established, while most have none.  There are as many options you may choose as there are people deciding upon them.  Only YOU can decide what is the safest for you.  And only HazardCall can best notify you when you need to take action.