Nashville was hit with a freight train Monday night as multiple tornadoes tore across the Music City, claiming the lives of 24 unsuspecting residents. Many of the victims had just retired to their bedrooms when the storm rendered them helpless to a devastating onslaught that lasted just a few moments, but likely felt like an eternity. Like so many before it, this Tennessee tornado left a path of destruction.
The severity of the storm and the extent of damage was exacerbated by the storm’s strike zone, which targeted and obliterated a densely populated section of town. Churches, businesses, schools and homes were reduced to mammoth debris piles that authorities continue to sift through in a desperate attempt to find survivors. Nearly 80 people are still reported missing. Golf ball sized hail rained down on the city as a prelude for the destruction to come. Windspeeds of 165 miles per hour were recorded and meteorologists believe the storm notched an EF-5 register on a five-point rating system.
Prepare for the unexpected with U.S. Safe Room
Many of the victims didn’t have a chance to seek cover. The storm happened so quickly that they likely thought the eerie roar of the storm was an approaching freight train. Early March isn’t known as peak season for tornado activity either. Nighttime is when we are in our most vulnerable state. Delayed reaction times and the overall uncertainty of the bleak darkness likely played a huge factor in their frenzied search for safety.
The Nashville tornado reiterates the importance of a preparedness plan. An emergency kit and flashlight could’ve played a role in helping the victims find shelter from the storm. But many of the victims likely didn’t have access to any shelter. While a bathroom or closest can offer some protection, it was likely not enough to survive the fury of 165 mile per hour ends. Learn from the mistakes made in preparing for this Tennessee tornado.
Modular safe room could save your life
Storm shelters and underground bunkers aren’t always practical, especially if you live in a duplex or apartment complex. Access to community shelters can also be hindered by flights of stairs, which practically eliminate the possibility of reaching safety when a tornado is barreling down on your location. With the average lead-time for tornado now at 13 minutes, timing your escape to safety is essential to surviving.
Modular safe rooms for existing structures could be a cost effective way to protect your family and belongings in densely populated areas that prohibit standalone external or subterranean shelters. Steel panels can be easily retrofitted to an existing room or structure, so you don’t have to worry about foundation work and building from the ground up. It’s like giving your home body armor, and it could save your life. As opposed to transporting an entire safe room pre-assembled, these safe room kit panels are lightweight and are transported by truck in single units for maximum convenience and confidentiality. Upon arrival, you may opt to install the panels yourself or have them installed by one of our professionals. Our modular safe rooms kits can be customized to your specific needs, so don’t wait until after a life-threatening event, contact us today and protect yourself from intruders and natural disasters.
