Myth
Areas near rivers, lakes, and mountains are safe from tornadoes.
- Fact
No place is safe from tornadoes. In the late 1980s, a tornado swept through Yellowstone National Park leaving a path of destruction up and down a 10,000 ft. mountain.
Myth
The low pressure with a tornado causes buildings to "explode" as the tornado passes overhead.
- Fact
Violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause most structural damage.
Myth
Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage.
- Fact
Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone: instead, immediately go to a safe place.
