In my weekly newspaper column I answer questions from readers on just about everything. You can read the column by going to the weather section on KJRH.com then select ASKDAN.
I won't rehash the whole thing here, but the bottom line is a guy named Roland Newby, from McAlester sent me a question asking if it wouldn't be a good idea to suggest folks wear helmets during a tornado warning. Before you scoff at the idea, it does make sense.
In our little blue "safety kit"" bag we carry to our weather talks, there is an old beat up
bicycle helmet in it. I tell kids that helmets are a great idea to keep you safe while you
ride a bicycle or skateboard. And it seems a bit extreme, but they would keep your
noggin better protected if you were ever hit by a tornado.
While I do not expect the practice to catch on, I'll keep suggesting it in my weather talks.
If the practice did become common practice, I could see a time when some entrepreneur decides to make special "tornado helmets". Can't you just see it? Adults and kids with
these full face NASCAR helmets painted up with Sponge Bob or their favorite college football team logo.
Hey, I would be happy if I could just encourage folks to go inside during a tornado warning. Too often we have folks outside taking pictures thinking the storm is far enough away to do any harm. What most do not realize is the damage and injuries comes from all the flying debris. The tornado may be a mile or two away, but the high winds can whip a piece of lumber or lawn chair into the air, becoming projectiles.
The helmet idea is a good one and I'll mention to kids to keep thier bicycle helmets in their safe place to wear during tornadoes. But sadly, getting mom and dad to do the same will
be much more difficult.
What do you think about tornado helmets?
Well my forecast for today was 78 and we only hit 77. I'll try harder next week. The weekend looks amazing. I'll blog again next week.
Have a great weekend.
Dan
