Final answer:
During emergencies like tornadoes, you may be advised to shelter in place in a windowless area. Plan A, no preparation, is high-risk, while Plan B, securing the home and taking shelter, provides safety and peace of mind. Energy-efficient home design features promote safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, during particular types of emergencies, such as a tornado, officials may advise individuals to shelter in place rather than evacuate. This precaution includes finding a safe space in your home, preferably without windows, to protect yourself from possible hazards.
In the context of a tornado that may hit your town, considering Figure 20.1, the outcomes of the four boxes can be described as follows:
- Plan A, which involves doing nothing, carries high risk. If your home is hit by a tornado, the consequences could be severe, and the feeling of regret or guilt for not taking action may be overwhelming.
- With Plan B, boarding up windows and using a tornado shelter, you proactively minimize damage to your home and protect personal safety. The cost of preparation might be high, but the feeling of safety and reduced anxiety during the event, and relief in the aftermath, typically justifies the expense.
A strategy for home safety concerning space weather or other environmental concerns involves the design features mentioned in Figure 13.21, such as thick walls, thick insulation, double-paned windows, and utilization of thermal mass to absorb and release energy, making the home energy-efficient and weather-resistant.