February isn’t typically known for killer tornadoes in the South. When it comes to severe weather, it’s another weather phenomenon that gets the most attention. Snow. Even a few swirling flurries send the most hardened southerner scurrying to the grocery store for milk and bread. No, we will take that back. even the slightest mention of the remote possibility of snow sends a panic over the Deep South. But while winter weather can certainly paralyze southern metros, the threat of severe thunderstorms and destructive tornadoes persists. But why is this? Shouldn’t the deep thaw of winter take away the volatile fuel mixture for these storms? Not necessary. In fact, southern storm systems, which continue to draw warmer air from the Gulf, collides with strong jet stream disturbances to unleash a rash of preseason storms.
It’s sort of like what happens when the south does get a big snow. Most of the more potent systems originate from the Gulf’s moisture. So, when the swirling atmospheric conditions raid moisture laden air flows, we can expect an increased winter tornado threat in the Deep South. While February storms are still the anomaly, they also come with extremes at both ends of the spectrum. February 2010, for example saw just one tornado across the region, while Feb. 2008 saw a Super Tuesday system produce nearly 150 tornadoes in a two-day stretch. When tornadoes do touch down during the winter months, they can be especially destructive. These killer storms can produce at any time of day and since they are so quick moving, wintertime systems often produce straight line winds, which can be just as dangerous as an EF1 tornado. The absence of rain with many of these storms mean they can strike with little or no warning.
Why Settle For Seasonal Protection From a Year Around Threat?
Tornadoes don’t run on a schedule. They are oblivious to both time constraints and the value of human life. You can never let your guard down if storms like these can strike at any time. Most recently, a February tornado in Brunswick County last year killed three people. Many of those residents continue to rebuild this day, and we are certain they will never forget the paralyzing moments that came when that ominous freight-train sound began barreling down the neighborhood tracks. In fact, some residents were so unhinged, they almost immediately picked up the phone to give us a call for a free quote on a tornado shelter. We know what you’re thinking. ‘Oh great, more fear mongering to sell a product. You’re worse than the 6 o’clock news!’ Well, not exactly. Yes, we are trying to sell a product, but it’s also a product that is proven to save lives. And we aren’t concerned about “ratings” either. Along with providing a superior product line that has got the green-light industry experts, we remain dedicated to informing readers of the persistent threats that tornadoes pose.
As you can tell from the video above, a U.S. Safe Room above-ground shelter can take a battery of abuse without flinching. How many other companies will open their product up to such thorough third-party vetting? The only other industry that subjects its product to such rigorous testing and standards, is of course the car industry. But we don’t have the luxury of testing car crash dummies either. In a real life crisis where lives remain in peril, there are no second chances. These units have to take whatever Mother Nature throw their way. That’s why we put our safe rooms and tornado shelters through a gauntlet of tests to ensure they won’t falter during a killer tornado. Our safe rooms are customizable from a small 4×6 shelter up to a community shelter that can safeguard one hundred people. These structures are hand-welded and feature secure multi-point locking doors with many unique door and interior finishing options available. We also understand you aren’t just worried about the winter tornado threat. These units also offer great protection from overzealous crooks and burglars.
Above Ground Safe Room Features and Benefits
- Customizable to any size, to accommodate any number of people
- Quick construction and cost-effective installation
- Units can be installed by a professional or D.I.Y.
- Provides Protection against burglary
- Provides Protection against natural disasters
- Provides Protection for your valuables
- Provides Protection for family, neighbors, employees, and coworkers
- Peace of mind
Scary facts about twisters in the south
- The Southeast’s rolling hills and thick forests conceal tornadoes from spotters and the public.
- Most deadly tornadoes across at night, when victims are sound asleep in their beds.
- Few southern homes have basements, which makes unprotected residents particularly vulnerable to killer storms.
- Deaths in mobile homes are responsible for a disproportionately high amount of tornado fatalities. Unfortunately, trailers have become fact-of-life in economically depressed areas, such as the south.
- Someone in a mobile home is 15 to 20 times more likely to be killed during a tornado than someone in a home with a foundation. www.scientificamerican.com.
