Why is a basement safe during a tornado?

Question

Wouldn't the house or building cave in upon the basement and crush everyone under there?

Answer 1

the house wouldn't cave in because the extremely strong winds would pick it up and blow it away.

Answer 2

They offer the best protection against the strong winds and any flying debris.  However, there is really no safe place to be during a tornado but a basement is your best bet.

Answer 3

The basement isn't exactly 100% safe but it is the safest place. Even if the house or building caved in, it wouldn't matter because it offers the best protection. There would eventually be people out investigating after the storm, which means you would be rescued.

Answer 4

Being in the basement alone is not safe enough.  Once your in the basement get under a sturdy piece of furniture.  Or you can get into an interior room in the basement.  As always protect your head from flying debris.

TORNADO SAFETY

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lmk/preparedness...

http://www.disastercenter.com/guide/torn...

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/fwd/wcm/safety_r...

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/tor...

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/elp/swww/v5n1/to...

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/

http://www.spc..noaa.gov/faq/tornado/saf...

http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/0075...

http://www.tornadoproject.com/safety/saf...

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/faq/faq_tor.php