Canada: Helping at-risk populations survive tornadoes

This opinion piece from the Canada Free Press reports that in the event of a tornado, additional lead time does little for at-risk populations that cannot evacuate and must seek “shelter-in-place.” Thus, the poor, the elderly, people with disabilities, and people without adequate shelter suffer disproportionately during tornado events.

The article goes on saying that tornadoes occur so suddenly that sheltering in homes is common, which is a good reason why housing codes should be strengthened, especially for at-risk populations. It recommends that now is the time to address improved construction standards and to have the discussion regarding at-risk populations, especially in addressing their vulnerabilities to tornadoes and other high wind events.