Tornado Safety Guide

During a Tornado, prior planning and quick action can save the lives of you and your family members.

• STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS, DOORS, and OUTSIDE WALLS
• ALWAYS PROTECT YOUR HEAD

In homes and small buildings, go to the basement or to an interior part on the lowest level such as a closet, bathroom, or interior hall and get under something sturdy.

In schools, nursing homes, hospitals, factories, and in shopping centers, go to the pre-designated shelter area. Interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually the best.

In high-rise buildings, go to small interior rooms or hallways.

In vehicles or mobile homes, leave them and go to a substantial structure. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert with your hands shielding your head.

TORNADOES

• Tornadoes will often accompany a Severe Thunderstorm and are only one of many thunderstorm hazards. Below is a list of other Thunderstorm Hazards (for more information, read our Thunderstorm Awareness Guide):
  • LIGHTNING
    Can often kill and injure people, while also responsible for starting fires. Having your home or a building properly grounded will help prevent a lightning strike and probable damage to household/business equipment and/or appliances.
    
    WINDS
    Winds of a thunderstorm are usually very strong, and gusty which can result in a great amount of damage.
    
    RAIN
    Heavy downpours can result in flash floods.
    
    HAIL
    Not usually a life-threatening but can be very damaging.
    
    FLASH FLOODS
    Waters that can rise rapidly and without warning. They can destroy life and property

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

• KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WATCH AND A WARNING, YOUR LIFE COULD DEPEND ON IT.

TORNADO WATCH
Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are possible

TORNADO WARNING
There has been a tornado detected and you should take shelter immediately!

• When Severe weather threatens STAY TUNED TO YOUR LOCAL RADIO AND/OR TELEVISION STATION FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.