Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. They can appear suddenly without
warning and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel
cloud appears. Planning and practicing specifically how and where you take
shelter is a matter of survival. Be prepared to act quickly. Keep in mind that
while tornadoes are more common in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest, they
can occur in any state and at any time of the year, making advance preparation
vitally important.
Step 1: Get a Kit
-Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food,
water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
-Store it in your shelter location
Step 2: Make a Plan
-Prepare Your Family
-Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster
strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you
will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
-Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your
immediate neighborhood.
-It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town,
so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among
separated family members.
-You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family
spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering
to help create one.
-Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning:
-Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection.
-If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on
the lowest floor possible.
-In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest
floor possible.
-Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room.
Stay away from corners because they attract debris.
-A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go
quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible.
-If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do
not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
-Plan to stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.
-Take a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class from your local Citizen
Corps chapter. Keep your training current.
Step 3: Be Informed
Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a tornado hazard.
-A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area.
-A tornado warning is when a tornado is actually occurring, take shelter
immediately.
-Listen to Local Officials
Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your
state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions
given by local emergency management officials.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security