The recent outbreak of multiple tornadoes throughout the nation should remind us, once again, just how destructive and deadly such storms can be.
We who live in Minnesota can become a bit apathetic about those terrible storms because we tend to think the worst of them only happens in places like Texas and Oklahoma. But we should remember Minnesota, too, can be struck by killer tornadoes. We are not immune to nature’s fury.
Many people do not know the worst tornado in Minnesota history literally wiped out Sauk Rapids on April 14, 1886. The F4 twister started in St. Cloud at about 4 p.m., moved to Sauk Rapids, then north to Rice and Pierz. It killed 72 people, injured 200 and even killed seven members of a wedding party, including the groom, in Rice. It destroyed the Sauk Rapids courthouse and just about every business in that city. The photos of that devastation are still terrifying to see.
There have been hundreds of tornadoes in Minnesota since that terrible twister, causing fatalities here and there, and such a monster storm could easily happen again in Minnesota – anywhere in the state.
That is why we should always be prepared. Here are some safety tips to remember:
- Always monitor the news if the weather turns nasty and stay close to home if possible. And remember, violent wind storms can be just as dangerous as tornadoes because of flying debris.
- Practice tornado drills with family members, making sure all know where to go into the safest place in the house (the interior of a basement) or in a nearby tornado shelter.
- Make sure all family members understand the dangers of tornadic storms and the signs to look for: sudden changes in air pressure; dark, often green-tinged clouds, hail, a funnel-shaped cloud.
- Once in a shelter, cover your head with hands and arms. If possible, use a mattress or furniture piece to ward off falling or flying debris. Wearing a helmet is also a good idea if they can be accessed quickly enough.
- Always remember two important terms as announced via media: Tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadic formations, and all people should make immediate plans for safety, just in case; a tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted in the area, with imminent danger to life. People should take shelter immediately and monitor the news if possible in their safe place.
- If a tornado did strike, be very careful when emerging from your shelter. Beware of downed power lines, splintered debris and weakened trees that may still fall over. Wait for emergency crews to say the coast is clear.
Let us hope we never have to face the terrible dangers of a tornado. However, if we ever must, let’s be sure we are prepared.