The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-05-30

How to Act When Caught in the Path of a
Tornado-Rules to Remember.

HOW to Act When Caught in the Path OF q
Tornado-Rules to Remember.
Pittsburg Chronicle Telegraph.
The officers of the Signal Service recommend
persons who discover that they are in front
OF tornado and directly in the path of
1t to make their way quickly as possible either
north or south. If the cloud is three or four
miles off when discovered, it is generally prac-
tlcable to get beyond the path of 1t before it
reaches the place where the observer stood.
Under circumstance should one move to the
east, northeast or southwest. Many foolhardy
acts have been committed (perhaps through
fear and excitement or positive ig-
norance) by persons, which have resulted
in death or terrible injuries, because
they have tried to run in front of the tornado
cloud, thinking they could outstrip it in such 8
race. Others have attempted to cross the path
just ahead of the advancing cloud, feeling that
they could reach a safe distance on the opposite
side before the tunnels shaped monster passed.
In one OF the late storms person essayed this
trip with two horses and lumber wagon, conf
dent that he could at least rush his horses
the apparently narrow path of storm which
seemed to progress within such circumScribed
limits. He was instantly killed, one of his
horses dreadfuiy mangled, the other seriously
injured and the wagon total wreck.
Under no circumstances, whether in a build
ing or cellar, take a position in a northeast
room, IN northeast corner in an east rooln or
against an east wall Remember that the tor
nado cloud invariably moves in a northeasterly
direction. Persons have been instantly killed
or terribly crippled for other reason than that
they ignorantly threw themselves in the very
grasp of the monster cloud.
The rule regarding the movement to the north
east must be obeyed. The northeast quarter is
a fatal position, whatever may be said about de-
struction to life or property in any other.
If, unfortunately, you are close pressed by
the advancing cloud never remain
standing and attempt to weather the
position, but throw yourself prone (face down
ward) upon the ground, head to the east and
arms over the head to protect it, If you should
chance to be near a large stone or stump or some
heavy, low object firmly imbedded to the ground
take position directly to the east of it, lying
prone upon the ground, head toward the object,
protecting the former with your folded arms.
This advice is given in the event of extreme
| necessity, where other and better opportunities
are unavailable or have become forfeited. 1t is
BETTER if possible, never to trust yourself be-
hind or about any movable object located
within the center of the storms path; by all
means rot a tree or anything that rises some
distance beyond the surface of the ground. If
you gan get out, never remain in house or any
other building that is likely to be torn down or
removed from it's foundation. If forced to re-
main In a building without cellar, always take
a position against the west OF south wall tbetter
the former6 either prone (face downward) upon
the floor Or standing with your back to the wall.
In any building always take your final
position on the first or ground floor or in tire
cellar. Never stand lie in front of a
door or window, or near a stove or heavy
| piece furniture. Make every effort to get into
west rooms, and, if possible, before the on
slaughU all the furniture from the
western portion. If you have the necessary
time, shut tightly every window and door in the
building within which you may be located at
the time of the storm. Never take refuge in a
forest in a small grove of trees, in an orchard
in q building fence of any kind, unless
such obstruction is entirely out of the line of
the storm. If possible, always open the doors of
your out-buildings and let your stock loose,
driving them to the north as before directed.