Should You Open Your Windows During A Tornado -

Where, exactly, did we get the idea that opening up a house to equalize pressure in a tornado would work? And is there some other ... HowStuffWorks Tornado Myths - Missouri StormAware “Opening the windows in your house before a tornado will reduce damage by balancing the pressure inside and outside the structure. Storm Aware (.gov) What to do During a Tornado - National Weather Service What to do During a Tornado. ... Tornadoes, Wind, Hail. ... Find out what you can do when a tornado strikes. Acting quickly is key... National Weather Service (.gov) Tornado Safety Measures - Mercer Police Department Inside a Building * Flying debris is the greatest danger in tornadoes. * Avoid windows. If you make any effort to open windows, th... Mercer Police Department Does opening your windows during severe weather really help ... Mar 10, 2026 —

No, you should open your windows during a tornado . It is a dangerous myth that opening windows equalizes air pressure to prevent a house from "exploding". In reality, doing so wastes critical time and significantly increases the risk of structural failure and injury. Why Opening Windows Is Dangerous should you open your windows during a tornado

Here is a detailed breakdown of why this advice is incorrect and what you should do instead. Where, exactly, did we get the idea that

Tornadoes often form and strike with little warning. The time you spend running around the house opening windows is time stolen from seeking shelter. Every second counts when a funnel cloud is bearing down on your location. If you are busy cranking open casement windows in the living room, you are not in your safe room. You are exposing yourself to a situation where you could be struck by debris or trapped in an exposed part of the house when the storm hits. Storm Aware (

In the past, some people believed that opening windows during a tornado would help equalize the air pressure inside and outside your home, thereby reducing the likelihood of your roof being torn off or your windows shattering. The idea was that if the pressure inside and outside your home was the same, the force of the wind would be less likely to cause damage.