In the event of a tornado, which would be safer...?

Question

Option 1) The basement of a one hundred year old house. House is creaky and I'm unsure of the strength of it because even normal walking causes the walls to shake.

Option 2) A crawl space under the stairs in a newer townhome (less than 5 years old).

We're expecting some severe weather tomorrow and I'm trying to decide whether to stay at my place or go to my aunt's.

Answer 1

the corner of the basement.

reason being the change in wind-speed and barometric pressure will pull the house off it's foundations, leaving the basement somewhat unaffected.

The crawl space of the newer home in severe enough weather will be torn away along with the rest of the house.

Answer 2

I would say a basement, because you would be further underground, but I've never experience a tornado, so I don't know..

Answer 3

Due to the fact that the 100 year old house is still standing, I would pick that house. Probably built better as well. Creaks and all.

Answer 4

I'd hide in the crawl space, near one of the walls.  The hundred year old house probably hasn't been exposed to an F5, and although construction is probably OK, neither is perfect as a shelter.

Answer 5

I think that option 2 is better, but only if you are protected from glass flying all over the place! Option 1 could cave in on you and kill you.