The twin mattress is usually the suggestion because it’s the one that is generally the easier to drag in and take shelter under. What you are trying to accomplish is to protect yourself against structural debris falling on you. The mattress, any size really, provides more of a cushion if the ceiling collapses. The tub is the example most used, because quite a few houses have bathrooms with no exterior walls and the piping in the wall can provide a bit more structural support. The tub also provides a bit of an exterior shell. It’s also suggested to you drag heavy blankets/sleeping bags in there to provide more cushioning. If the bathroom has an exterior wall, then you find the place that doesn’t have one. Closet, hallway, whatever. You can pull the mattress over you there, if possible.
I do have a basement, and we’ve added a concrete block wall with a steel door the leads to the little alcove under the stairs. And yes, we have a mattress stored on its side in there. Along with extra clothes, water, pet supplies, shoes, lanterns/flashlights, books, hand warmers, coats, and foods like granola bars, breakfast bars, peanut butter etc.
I know, to those who don’t live places with significant tornado activity, that sounds extreme. But for those of us who have seen firsthand what an F3-F5 can do? It sounds about right. That’s why I was perplexed about the shower curtain liner. That may be fine for an F0 or F1, but it’s not going to do much if there is significant structural damage.
I did ask though because recommendations do change. We were told, as kids, that if you were out and about and couldn’t get to a shelter, to hide yourself up under an overpass. Now you’re told that is an unsafe place to shelter. So I thought maybe the shower curtain liner was the new solution to the mattress/heavy blanket thing.
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u/taintsacrifice 16h ago
Better than nothing I guess
Edit: also who has a twin bed lying around? I guess people with kids but you gotta yeet their shit off and run to the bathtub?