Tornado Safety

What to Do During a Tornado


If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!

If you are in a structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)

Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others. Go to the basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, center hallway). Avoid windows. For added protection get under something sturdy (a heavy table or workbench).

Discuss as a family where your pre-designated shelter area is, such as a safe the basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. An interior bathroom or closet will do also. Do not open windows.

If you are in a vehicle, trailer, or mobile hom
e. Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

If you are outside with no shelter. Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.

Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Make sure you DUCK during a tornado

Down: get down to the lowest level
Under: get under something heavy
Cover: cover your head
Keep: keep in the shelter until the storm has passed