Tornado Safety

Knowing your area is prone to tornadoes is the first step in becoming prepared for one. The key to being safe is to have a plan. Knowing what you will do when a tornado is approaching will help you get out of harm's way, fast.

Click here for a printable fact sheet, "How to Be Prepared for a Tornado."

Some steps to prepare for a tornado include:

Plan what you would do in the event a tornado watch or warning* is issued by the National Weather Service.
Purchase a weather alert radio.
Designate a tornado shelter and a route to it.

Because tornadoes often strike with little or no warning, you need to be prepared before a severe storm strikes. Several lifesaving steps should be taken so that you and your family can react quickly in case tornadoes threaten. As tornado season approaches, you and your family should design a tornado plan and designate a safety shelter. Once the plan is designed, conduct several practice drills.

If a tornado warning is issued for your location, take the following steps immediately. (These steps should also be practiced during your tornado drills.)

Go at once to the basement, storm cellar or the lowest level of the building.
If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
Stay away from windows.
Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners, as they tend to attract debris.
Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a workbench or heavy table or desk, and hold on to it.
Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
If you are outdoors, in a car or in a mobile home, find shelter in the lowest level of a nearby sturdy building. If there is none, lie flat in a low spot. Do not go under highway bridges.

*A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop in the area. A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or radar indicates one may be possible.

Updated 3/2/2010