Because severe storms are fairly common in the United States during the springtime and because most people are not affected too greatly by them, people often ignore important warnings and instructions during severe storms. Some people hear the tornado siren screaming and think of the other times it sounded without any serious danger. Naturally, after a few "false" alarms, they just begin ignoring the siren altogether.
Unfortunately, that is the exact wrong thing to do. Sure, most of the time the worst of the severe weather will affect someone else. This might not always be true. If tornadoes affect your area, you need to have supplies and a plan to ensure your safety. All you need to remember are a few important things.
You and your family should know the safest place in your house to be during a tornado. Unless you have a basement or a cellar, the safest place will usually be an inner room, closet, or hallway without any windows. Take some blankets, a couple gallons of water, a flashlight, a battery-operated radio for weather updates, and a first-aid kit with you. It's also handy if your cell phone is fully charged.
If you live in a trailer or a mobile home, get out and find a more secure place to ride out the storm. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car. Seek shelter in a stable building. Oftentimes, there will be a community center or school nearby that has been appointed for just such emergencies. If you are caught outdoors, try to get inside quickly. If it is impossible to get inside, try to find a low-lying place, such as a ditch, lie face-down, and cover your head.
It may seem like a lot of trouble for a storm that seems never to hit you, but getting caught in a severe storm is one of those times that the old saying rings especially true: You are better off safe than sorry.
6
What is the central idea of the fourth paragraph?
A.
what to do if you are outside or in an unstable building during a tornado
B.
where to find a ditch to lie in and cover your head during a tornado
C.
why you should never try to outrun a tornado in your car or truck
D.
why schools and community centers are good places to be during a tornado