An underground tornado shelter or a specially designed tornado safe room is the safest place to be during a tornado. Some homes, businesses, and schools in areas prone to tornadoes have these shelters. If a tornado shelter is not available, go to the basement of a building. Stay away from windows, and cover yourself with a mattress, cushions, or sleeping bags. If possible, get under a heavy table, which can protect you from falling debris.
Bathrooms can be particularly effective because they are fortified by pipes and you can lie in a bathtub. Stay out of elevators, as you could be trapped in them if power is lost. Instead, use the stairs to descend to the lowest floor.
Mobile homes Tall buildings Open rooms with lots of windows Buildings with flat, wide roofs (cafeterias, gyms, etc. )
Even if the last tornado has passed, you should still use common sense. If the surrounding area looks dangerous, it may be safer to remain in your shelter.
Avoid fallen power lines and puddles with wires in them, and avoid using matches or lighters in case of natural gas or fuel tank leaks. Do not enter damaged buildings under any circumstances, as they may be prone to collapse.
Dark, green-tinted clouds Loud roaring noises, like airplanes taking off “Wall clouds,” where the base of a thunderhead seems to lower Funnels or rotating clouds Debris and dust “walls. "
If you can see the tornado and/or flying debris makes driving dangerous, stay put. If your car is pelted with debris while driving, this is your cue to pull over. Never try to out-drive a tornado in an urban environment; get to any building as shelter instead.
Stay put until you can safely drive to shelter. Be on the lookout for multiple tornadoes. Again, there may be multiple tornadoes after the first one has passed.
If you can, cover your whole body with a blanket or similar covering to prevent scratches from debris.
If torn between an overpass or an open area, choose the open space and try to get as low as possible.
If a waterspout is about to hit the boat, it’s probably best to dive overboard, as you then have a better chance of avoiding injury from flying debris. If you are on land and a waterspout is very close to shore, you are not necessarily safe. While they rarely come on land, they can. Treat them like any other tornado and get to cover in case they come on land.
If a waterspout is about to hit the boat, it’s probably best to dive overboard, as you then have a better chance of avoiding injury from flying debris. If you are on land and a waterspout is very close to shore, you are not necessarily safe. While they rarely come on land, they can. Treat them like any other tornado and get to cover in case they come on land.
Whenever you see a tornado watch, keep the news and radio on for further news. Whenever you see a tornado warning, get to cover immediately.
Whenever you see a tornado watch, keep the news and radio on for further news. Whenever you see a tornado warning, get to cover immediately.
Whenever you see a tornado watch, keep the news and radio on for further news. Whenever you see a tornado warning, get to cover immediately.
Note the places in each room where you should seek cover if you cannot escape, like under tables or cabinets. Are there any places where you would be trapped or in extra danger, such as upstairs rooms? Are there ways to make them safe, such as stashing a cheap rope ladder? Do you have first aid kits, crowbars, fire extinguishers or other special equipment around the house that people should know how to find?[9] X Research source
First-Aid Gauze, antibiotic wipes, pain relievers, bandages, broad-spectrum antibiotic, necessary prescriptions, adhesive tape, diarrhea medicine, bar of soap Food and Water 1 gallon (4 liters) for each person in house, canned goods, cracker packs, and other non-perishables General Scissors, writing materials, flashlights, battery-operated radio, extra batteries, pocket knife, plastic bags, needle and thread[10] X Research source
Gauze, antibiotic wipes, pain relievers, bandages, broad-spectrum antibiotic, necessary prescriptions, adhesive tape, diarrhea medicine, bar of soap
1 gallon (4 liters) for each person in house, canned goods, cracker packs, and other non-perishables
Scissors, writing materials, flashlights, battery-operated radio, extra batteries, pocket knife, plastic bags, needle and thread[10] X Research source
Cut away dead or damaged tree branches that could be ripped off in high winds. Tie down or secure lawn furniture. If you are unable to, consider moving heavier pieces indoors, but only if you have time. Keep your lawn free of anything that could turn into a weapon when picked up by a tornado, such as glass gazing balls.
