Tornadoes
Tornadoes strike with little or no warning. Each family should develop a tornado plan and designate a safety shelter. Practice the plan you and your family developed.
How to Prepare for Tornadoes
Know the meaning of terms used to describe tornado threats:
- Tornado Watch: tornadoes are possible
- Tornado Warning: take shelter, tornado sighted
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch: severe thunderstorms are possible
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning: severe thunderstorms are occurring
- Purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, a battery-powered commercial radio and extra batteries for each
- Have emergency supplies on hand
- Inventory your possessions
- Keep important papers in a safe deposit box
Tornado shelters should be stocked with the following supplies:
- Battery operated radio with weather band
- Cash and credit cards
- Emergency food and water
- Essential medications
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Manual can opener
- Sturdy shoes
What to Do During a Tornado
- When a tornado is sighted, go to your shelter immediately, stay away from windows, door, outside walls
- In a house or small building, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest level
- In a school, nursing home, hospital, factory or shopping center; go to predesignated shelter area or interior halls on the lowest level
- In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on lowest floor possible
- Get under a sturdy piece of furniture, a table or desk
- Use your arms to protect head and neck. In a mobile home, trailer, or vehicle, get out immediately and go to a substantial structure
- A ditch, ravine, or culvert could be used if no structure is available. Do not attempt to out-drive a tornado
What to Do After a Tornado
- Be aware of broken glass and downed power lines
- Check for injuries; move seriously injured persons only if in immediate danger or life is threatened
- Use caution entering a damaged building