Last week a tornado touched down in southern Brevard County, damaging areas in Barefoot Bay and St. Sebastian River State Park. According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida, this was an EF-0 tornado with wind speeds estimated at 75-85 miles per hour. Luckily there were no injuries, but there was property damage. The tornado completely destroyed the patio of one home and ripped off part of the roof.
Florida has the highest frequency of tornadoes out of every state in the U.S., with spring and summer being the top months for tornado activity. At Tripod Aluminum we want you and your family to be safe in the event a tornado strikes, so we have compiled some information on how to identify a tornado and what safety precautions to take if you do.
When people think of a tornado, the huge, swirling gray funnel of wind and debris from The Wizard of Oz might come to mind. While it’s possible that a serious, fully-formed tornado might resemble this, most don’t. Surprisingly, tornadoes are actually clear until they pick up enough dirt and debris, and they usually form on the outskirts of thunderstorms. There are certain warning signs to look for that indicate a tornado could be coming. Watch for hail, a dark sky with a green tint, dark clouds low in the sky and a roaring sound. If you spot a funnel-shaped swirling cloud, take shelter immediately. Here are some ways to stay safe during a tornado:
- If at home, go to a basement or a small interior room on the lowest level
- If you are in a mobile home, get out immediately and seek shelter in a safer building
- If outside with no shelter nearby, find the lowest point on ground and lie down, covering your head with your arms
- If outside, try to avoid areas with trees since the branches could snap and fall on you
- Steer clear of bridges and overpasses
- Be aware of flying debris around you, and protect your face and head as best you can
While we hope you are never in this situation, tornadoes are fairly common in Florida so it’s best to educate yourself on what to do should a tornado appear. If you are unfortunate enough to have a tornado damage your home, Tripod Aluminum is here for you. We repair and rebuild patio enclosures, fences, railings, screened-in porches and pool enclosures. We have been serving Melbourne, Viera, Palm Bay and Port Saint Lucie for over 20 years, and will come to your aid should disaster strike. Contact us today for more information.