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