Can Helmets Cut Tornado Deaths? CDC Isn't So Sure

[Colin P. Varga]

Can Helmets Cut Tornado Deaths? CDC Isn't So Sure : NPR

[Politburo]

If we didn't have a right-wing that would shriek "nanny state!!1" at such a recommendation, it probably would have been made already...

[seand]

C'mon. Everybody knows the piece of clothing to grab in a tornado is your green sparkly slippers of course.

[Polar Cub]

Helmets save lives. No doubt. Wear goggles or shield for the eyes too, if you have enough time.

[Dolemite]

Can Helmets Cut Tornado Deaths? CDC Isn't So Sure : NPR

Bebe says that wearing a helmet during a tornado is a bad idea because tornadoes are attracted to helmets and plus it'll make you over confident and you'll just run out into the middle of them.

[Colin P. Varga]

bebe says that wearing a helmet during a tornado is a bad idea because tornadoes are attracted to helmets and plus it'll make you over confident and you'll just run out into the middle of them.

lol

[mixiboi]

The Weather Channel has been advocating this, but the science behind it is still out to lunch.


I'll say this, better safe then sorry.

[Colin P. Varga]

The Weather Channel has been advocating this, but the science behind it is still out to lunch.


I'll say this, better safe then sorry.

The problem with the "science" is creating a "control group". Enough people, with enough similarities (similar structures, similar sizes of people, ages, etc.) encountering similar conditions (house collapsing, crushing vs. wind driven debris) to study and then make a recommendation.

I think the CDC recommends using your hands to protect your head in a tornado. Maybe NFL players, NASCAR drivers should give up their helmets and just use their hands right before impact.

[mixiboi]

And the CDC responds:

CDC Online Newsroom - CDC Statement on Helmets and Tornadoes May 3, 2012

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.


The best solution: If you live in tornado alley: Wear a helmet always.

[JoeBaker]

If we didn't have a right-wing that would shriek "nanny state!!1" at such a recommendation, it probably would have been made already...

LMAO.

The evil right wingers don't care if you wear a helmet during a tornado. The evil right wingers just don't want to foot the bill to buy everyone a helmet.

What's next? We all have to buy helmets for motorcyclists? Anyone that bikes to work? Those guys in the Tour de France? Ironmen? Little leaguers? Major leaguers? I think Ryan Howard can afford his own damn helmet. Holy sheep this is getting expensive.

[JoeBaker]

There isn't a helmet in the world that could have saved her:

[Politburo]

LMAO.

The evil right wingers don't care if you wear a helmet during a tornado. The evil right wingers just don't want to foot the bill to buy everyone a helmet.

What's next? We all have to buy helmets for motorcyclists? Anyone that bikes to work? Those guys in the Tour de France? Ironmen? Little leaguers? Major leaguers? I think Ryan Howard can afford his own damn helmet. Holy sheep this is getting expensive.

You're the only person talking about buying helmets for anyone.