Northeast corner safest
One way to halt air pollution might be trap all noxious gases—for awhile, anyway. A water tower behind a house, plus a little tricky angling, were the components of this illusion.
Tornado study compiled
The radio crackles out news of possible tornado sightings. The rain stops, and an eerie calm settles in, predicting the coming storm. Sirens blare warnings to take cover.
From long years of training, Midwest residents flee to the supposed safety of the southwest corners of homes and basements.
Although this scene is familiar to many Midwesterners, researchers at the University of Kansas have determined the southwest corner is not always the most dependable haven of safety in tornadoes.
After more than two years of observing tornado damage in four states, Joe R. Eagleman, associate professor of geography and meteorology and director of the research, said the safest shelter during tornadoes is the northeast corner opposite the approach of the storm.
Eagleman's research began with studies of data compiled on the Topeka tornado of 1966. Since then, he has observed destruction by tornadoes in Ohio, Mississippi, Texas, and at Salina.
Although tornadoes occur with some frequency in these areas, Eagleman said there is a surprising shortage of homes with
basements. Many persons have only ground-floor shelters.
Eagleman said the southwest corner of the ground floor is especially dangerous because the brunt of the tornado's impact strikes the southwest, slamming heavy debris into that section of a building.
In one of his observations, Eagleman found that the central sections of buildings seemed to be the safest. All other studies showed the least destruction in north or northeast portions of homes.
During his observations of the destruction by the tornado that struck Lubbock, Texas, in May, Eagleman was surprised to discover that smaller rooms also seemed to offer the best protection. He said many Lubbock residents survived the storm closed in closets or small bathrooms.
The best protection in a tornado, Eagleman said, is a specially-constructed underground shelter. Cellars also offer safety. In homes, basements are safest, with ground floors and upper floors offering less protection.
The meterologist said some of the most serious injuries and damage occur in trailer courts. He urged residents of such parks to request construction of some type
of community shelter or basement for safety during storms.
Eagleman's research is continuing with a $28,674 grant from the U.S. Public Health Service for 1970-71. He hopes to conclude the project by June of 1972.
As a complement to safety research, Eagleman is working with Vincent Muirhead, associate professor of aerospace engineering, and Nicholas Willems, professor of civil engineering, to test model homes in wind tunnels.
Through these tests and through laboratory observance of the behavior of a simulated tornado funnel, the researchers hope to determine the designs and building materials which hold up best under stress.
OLD TIRES USED
KOBE, Japan (UPI)—Japanese engineers are using old tires in an attempt to reduce serious highway accidents.
Tires painted yellow are attached to concrete guardrails along curves on the Okufutabaki highway to absorb the shock of automobiles which strike the rails. The tires are placed side by side to form an unbroken rubber cushion on curves.
Woman attends USITA program
CUSTOM LEATHER CRAFT