Tornado sheltering: Challenges and solutions including public storm shelters

Tornadoes are a considerable threat across the United States, occurring in many regions of the country on a frequent basis throughout the year. Finding a safe place to go during a tornado can be a challenge for many individuals, and, in some situations, there is no safe place available. Increasing the number of tornado shelters and establishing them in regions where they are not currently present can greatly improve the safety of local residents and visitors, especially for those who are unable to afford retrofitting a shelter into their own home or business. Research is lacking regarding the use of such public shelters. To better understand tornado sheltering behavior, an online survey was conducted with about 1,450 people. The survey examined current tornado sheltering behavior in locations with and without public shelters available, as well as hypothetical behavior if the respondent's location acquired a public shelter. A majority of respondents in the Deep South and Great Plains reported living in a county or community with a public shelter. While a majority of respondents have never used a public tornado shelter, the majority of those surveyed mentioned that they would utilize such shelters, at least during extreme threats. Actual use is also higher among mobile home residents. Consistent wayfinding and policies (such as pet accommodation) should also be implemented to ensure their use and promotion, and mobile applications should identify their locations.