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CDC Statement On Helmets & Tornadoes

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Photo Credit Wikipedia – Dimmitt, Tx Tornado

 

# 6316

 

File this one under `it’s probably better than nothing. . .  ‘

 

Although I’d never heard it suggested until the past couple of years, some experts and those in the media have been recommending the wearing of bicycle or motorcycle helmets to provide a degree of protection from flying debris during a tornado.

 

One such recommendation issued in 2009 can be found here, at the North Dakota State University Extension Service.

 

While it certainly sounds like a reasonable precaution (assuming you have a helmet handy, and donning one doesn’t delay your seeking more appropriate shelter), until now the CDC has not commented on the practice.

 

Today, we’ve a cautious statement from the CDC regarding the wisdom of using a helmet during a tornado.

 

For Immediate Release: May 3, 2012
Contact :CDC Division of News and Electronic Media
(404) 639-3286

CDC Statement on Helmets and Tornadoes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend, as its first recommendation, that people in the path of a tornado find a shelter or a tornado-safe room. The safest place in the home is the interior part of a basement. If possible, get under something sturdy such as a heavy table or workbench.  If outdoors, lie down in a gully or ditch.

 

We understand that people who have seen the tragedy that tornadoes can impose are looking for any useful and effective ways to protect themselves. We don’t have research on the effectiveness of helmet use to prevent head injuries during a tornado, but we do know that head injuries are common causes of death during tornadoes, and we have long made the recommendation that people try to protect their heads.  Individuals may decide to use helmets to protect their heads. However, because the time to react may be very short, people who choose to use helmets should know where they are and have them readily accessible.  Looking for a helmet in the few seconds before a tornado hits may delay you getting safely to shelter.  For those who choose to use helmets, these helmets should not be considered an alternative to seeking appropriate shelter. Rather, helmets should be considered just one part of their overall home tornado preparedness kit to avoid any delay.

 

CDC continues to promote protective measures for use during natural disasters including tornadoes.  For more detailed information, go to http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/tornadoes/during.asp.

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