I am doing a weather safety presentation for 4-H on the 28 of June. I want to give the correct information on tornado safety. My Grandma said she had heard somewhere that it is not safe to get in a ditch when outside during a tornado. Is this correct?

MIKE MOSS SAYS:     Elizabeth,     Being in a ditch as a tornado approaches is certainly not as safe as being in a well-built structure, preferably on a lower floor in a small room or hallway with as many walls as possible between yourself and the outdoors. However, safety experts do recommend a ditch as a reasonable last-resort if you are caught in a open area and can not avoid the tornado in any other way. The ditch at least offers some cover from the direct effects of very strong winds and dangerous flying debris. When taking cover in a ditch, however, it is important to pay attention to the potential for heavy rain and flash-flooding of the low-lying area.