Which is the safest place during strong winds

So here's the thing about strong winds—hurricanes, tornadoes, those nasty thunderstorms that pop up out of nowhere. You think you know where to go, but honestly? Most people get it wrong. Windows and doors feel like they should be the danger zone, sure, but the real killers are flying debris and buildings collapsing on you. I've dug through the expert advice so you don't have to guess when it matters most.

What is the single safest room in a house during high winds?

Look, if you want the gold standard, it's a small room. Interior. Bottom floor. Absolutely zero windows, skylights, or doors that lead outside. Think bathroom, closet, maybe a hallway if you're desperate. The trick is stacking as many walls between you and the outside world as possible. Basements rock if they don't flood—big if, though. No basement? An interior closet or bathroom on the ground floor, that's your spot. Stay away from rooms with massive windows or those vaulted ceilings everyone loves. They're just asking for trouble when the wind starts screaming.

Why are interior rooms safer than rooms with windows?

You ever seen what 100 mph wind does to a branch? It turns into a missile. Same with roofing tiles, patio furniture, pretty much anything not nailed down. Windows are the weakest link in your house's armor. One break and the whole room depressurizes—wind rushes in, and suddenly your roof's trying to fly away or walls are blowing out. An interior room though? It's got layers of protection. Other rooms around it absorb the impact, deflect debris. Plus they're usually near the house's structural core, so if the roof goes, you've got a better chance of not being pancaked.

Is a bathtub or a closet safer during a tornado or hurricane?

Depends on the storm, honestly. For tornadoes, a bathtub in an interior bathroom gets recommended a lot because it's anchored to the floor. Throw a mattress over you and you've got some overhead cover. But for hurricanes or straight-line winds? I'd pick a closet every time. They're smaller, which means the walls are stronger relative to the space. A walk-in closet smack in the middle of the house is basically perfect. If you're going bathtub, just make sure it's not on an exterior wall or under a window. Bottom line: smallest, most central room with the least glass wins.

What should you do if you are outside or in a car when strong winds start?

Stuck outside? Get low. I mean really low—lie flat in a ditch or low spot, cover your head and neck. And for the love of everything, don't hide under a highway overpass. That's a wind tunnel waiting to kill you. If you're in a car, try to drive out of the storm's path first. Can't do that? Park away from trees, power lines, other cars. Seatbelt on, duck below the windows, cover your head. And here's the thing about tornadoes—don't try to outrun them in your vehicle. It's a fool's game. Abandon the car and find that low ground if the tornado's close.

Expert checklist for preparing a safe room

• Identify the room: Pick an interior room on the lowest floor with zero windows. Basement, interior closet, or bathroom works.
• Reinforce the door: Make sure it locks or wedges shut. Solid-core doors beat hollow ones every time.
• Stock supplies: Grab a go-bag—flashlight, battery radio, first-aid kit, water, snacks, a whistle. Don't skimp.
• Add protection: Throw a heavy mattress, thick blankets, or a sleeping bag in there. Cover yourself.
• Remove hazards: Clear out anything heavy that could fall on you or become a projectile.
• Practice the plan: Run a drill with your family. Make it second nature so nobody's guessing when the sirens go off.

Comparison of safe locations during strong winds

Frequently asked questions