4 Debunked Myths About Storms and Hurricanes

Regardless of the defenses we have in place, storms are still a serious threat to our safety and property. Therefore, it’s vital we separate fact from fiction when it comes to protecting ourselves from them. Here, we’ll debunk four common myths about storms and hurricanes and explain how you can best protect yourself from these devastating events.

#1. Boarding Up Windows Prevents Breakage

Many believe boarding or taping up their home’s windows before a storm can help support them and prevent breakage. However, this isn’t the case. In fact, tornadoes and hurricanes can hit your house with such force that no additional material will withstand the impact. Regardless of your preparations, your windows will break, and sitting near them will become even more of a safety threat. So, as a storm approaches, simply stay away from the windows altogether.

#2. Storms Only Happen During Their Respective Seasons

While it’s true that these events are more likely to develop during certain seasons, they can still form outside of these timeframes. Reports of severe storms like these happen every month of every year; some are just smaller than those that make the news. For this reason, it’s important to always plan for this potential threat.

#3. Tornadoes or Hurricanes Never Strike Twice

Another myth about storms and hurricanes that we’re debunking is that they never strike twice in the same location. Severe weather events might not follow the exact same path, but they can still happen near a previous storm. Plenty of townships experience one of these weather patterns yearly; some locations are more prone to their formation than others. Knowing whether you live in one of these areas is crucial for properly preparing.

#4. Overpasses Make Great Shelters from Storms

Should a sudden storm come your way, your first instinct might be to take shelter under the nearest overpass. However, no matter how secure it seems, this won’t do you much good against a tornado or hurricane. High winds can whip debris horizontally, striking you from the side when you least expect it. The bridge itself could also fail and injure you. Using a private storm shelter in your home can provide you with some additional security by blocking the debris and keeping you within reach of supplies.

Swisher’s dedication to creating quality products that help keep you and your loved ones safe in a crisis has been our core tenet for years. Swisher tornado shelters are the perfect combination of durability and secureness, allowing you some much-needed peace of mind. We put our shelters through rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand the force of EF5 tornadoes, and we’re always looking for new ways to maximize performance. Contact us today to learn more about our top-selling storm shelter models.