Tornado hitting Myrtle Beach July 6, 2001.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. - The tornado risk for our area is low, but with the outbreak of deadly tornadoes in the Midwest and South, this is a good time to get prepared.
Nick Wichowski knows all too well the dangers of a tornado, he lives in Ohio for most of the year.
"We've had the unfortunate circumstances to have people killed within two or three miles of us," says Wichowski. "Make sure you take precaution, the main thing is to take it seriously."
Wichowski has an action plan in case a tornado is nearby. "Going to the basement, finding a place that's secure. Making sure you have water, radio, few items like this that you can keep in contact with what's happening."
Since there are no basements in our area, experts say it's best to go to a room on the lowest level away from windows, corners, and outside walls. For those living in a mobile home, it's best to seek shelter in a nearby building. If you're driving, don't try to outrun it.
"They can move at over 70 miles per hour and sometimes you don't know which direction they're going. Your best bet is to get out of your car, lay flat in a ditch, don't get up underneath an overpass, the winds actually get stronger underneath an overpass. Not a safe place to be at all," explains NewsChannel 15's Chief Meteorologist Ed Piotrowski.
Investing in a weather radio is also a way to keep yourself safe. Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms and can pack winds of 300 miles per hour. They are not to be taken lightly.
"When there's a warning issued, it's important that you take action immediately. Even if the tornado misses you, you must rather be safe than sorry," adds Piotrowski.
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