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Tornadoes
Before a Tornado
Conduct tornado drills each tornado season. Designate an area in the home as a shelter and
practice having everyone in the family go there in response to a tornado threat. Have a
plan for family members to get back together, such as asking an out-of-state relative or
friend to serve as the family contact.
Have disaster supplies on hand (flashlights, battery-operated radio, extra batteries,
first aid kit, emergency food and water, nonelectric can opener, essential medicines, cash
and credit cards, and sturdy shoes).
Know the difference between tornado "watches" and tornado "warnings."
A tornado watch is issued when tornadoes are possible in your area. A tornado warning is
issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
Learn tornado danger signs: An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of
tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and
the air may become very still. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a
thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
During a Tornado
If at home, go at once to the lowest level of the building, or to an inner hallway or a
smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Stay away from the
windows and go to the center of the room, avoiding corners because 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 arms to protect head and neck.
If in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere.
If at work or school, go to the lowest level, but avoid places with wide-span roofs.
If outdoors, get inside a building. If shelter is not available or there is no time to get
indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area, or crouch near a strong building. Be aware of
the potential for flooding.
If in a car, never try to out-drive a tornado. Get out of the car immediately and take
shelter in a nearby building. If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and
lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle.
After a Tornado
Help injured or trapped persons, giving first aid when appropriate. Remember to help your
neighbors who may require special assistance—infants, the elderly, and people with
disabilities.
Stay out of damaged buildings, returning home only when authorities say it is safe. Clean
up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the
buildings if you smell gas or chemical fumes. Inspect utilities in a damaged home,
checking for gas leaks, electrical system damage, and sewage and water lines damage.
Take pictures of the damage—both to the house and its contents—for insurance
purposes.
Quick Tip
Don't Forget to print this page, and keep it for handy reference. If your browser doesn't
have printing capabilities, or you would rather have us email these tip sheets to you,
please go to this page and have these emailed to you promptly.
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency
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