is it safe to be in a cement building during a tornado?

Question

i live on the 6th floor in a pretty strong cement building and was wondering is it better to go in the hallway or stairwell or the bathroom (smallest room) during a tornado.

Answer 1

The higher up you are, the stronger the winds will be (learned this in Katrina). I have never heard of a Tornado destroying a concrete building like you describe, but I would follow safety measures and stay away from windows and from beneath things that can fall on you.

If the hallway has lay-in tiles with insulation on top, they may fall on you if the winds hit them. If it were me, I would go to a fire stairwell and wait it out.

Answer 2

Depending on the design and construction, any type of building may be safe or unsafe in a tornado. But I have 2 however's...

However, a concrete (masonry) building should be stronger than a mobile home, so if that is your choice choose concrete.

However, I would caution your choice of the hallway/ stairwell/ bathroom by the types and locations of windows and wind direction. For example, if you choose to be in the bathroom and the wind is blowing toward a window in the room you would be in, I would suggest moving to a safer location. The stairwell usually are designed stronger than the hallways and typically have less windows. But since I do not know your specific abode, all this must be taken with a grain of salt.

Answer 3

Tornadoes can destroy cement buildings,too. One of the most devastating hurricanes in Tx history had a track of total destruction a quarter mile wide right through the downtown core. One of the few structures left standing was the bank vault ... the bank was GONE, but the vault survived!

If there isn't a bank vault in your building the best you can do is move away from windows into the hallway of the building. If it is possible to work your way down from the 6th floor to a lower floor without exposing yourself to danger, then you should do so.

Moving to the basement where a pile of rubble could trap you for days may not be a good idea. If you have to do it, stay near the outside walls, that is where pockets tend to form in the debris. Better chance of survival and escape if the building collapses.

Answer 4

In a tornado, lower is better and below ground is ideal. Once you are as low as possible you want to be in a small interior room.

"Go at once to your predetermined shelter (the basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building). Stay there until the danger has passed.

If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.

However much you want to see the storm, stay away from all windows, doors, and outside walls."

Answer 5

You're safer, most likely, than you'd be in a mobile home park, but less safe than you'd be if you were a few miles away.

But tornadoes are Communists. Likely as not if one comes your way you will be stuck in a traffic jam, shopping in the mall, walking in the park, as opposed to hanging around home, or in bed asleep.

Preparations for unlikely events and growth experiences are a state of mind. Your most effective means of dealing with most of them involves training your mind to serve you in a disciplined, flexible way. Whenever, whatever happens.

Answer 6

yes but alot depends on the construction
In Mexico they expect Earthquackes so the buildings have a lot of beams with re-inforced steel