Tornado Safety

These are instructions on what to do when a tornado warning has been issued or when a tornado threatens:

  • In homes or small buildings, go to the basement (if available) or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or bathroom. Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying debris.
  • In schools, hospitals, factories or shopping centers, go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums and warehouses. Crouch down and cover your head.
  • In high rise buildings, go to interior small rooms or halls. Stay away from exterior walls or glassy areas.
  • In cars or mobile homes, abandon them immediately!! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial structure or designated tornado shelter.
  • If no suitable structure is nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to cover your head.

Advance Warning Not Always Possible

Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible. Remain alert for signs of an approaching tornado such as a dark, often greenish sky, large hail, or a loud roar similar to a freight train.