Adnan Akyüz, assistant professor of climatology and the N.D. state climatologist, visited with first graders at Kennedy Elementary School, Fargo, to talk about tornadoes, how they form and how to be safe around them on May 1.  

During his visit, Akyüz used a glass chamber, boiling water, dry ice and a bathroom fan to simulate a tornado vortex. He also advocated the use of bike helmets while being sheltered during a tornado. Akyüz believes using a helmet, which is a simple, inexpensive and readily available tool already present in nearly every household, can increase chances of survival while taking proper shelter if a tornado strikes your home.

First-grade teacher Paula Bandy invited Akyüz to Kennedy Elementary. “All the first graders are asked to wear their bike helmets during the talk to make a statement that we support the use of bike helmets for tornado safety,” Bandy said.

For more information, contact Adnan Akyüz at adnan.akyuz@ndsu.edu or 231-6577.

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