Tornado Watch - Ways to prepare and stay safe now

Tornadoes are violent: they can completely destroy well-made structures, uproot trees and hurl objects through the air like deadly missiles. Although severe tornadoes are most common in the Plains States, they can happen anywhere. Learn what to do to keep your loved ones safe.

Top Tips

1. Identify a safe place in your home where household members and pets will gather during a tornado: a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.

2. In a high-rise building, pick a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor.

3. In a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your safe place. No mobile home, however it is configured, is safe in a tornado.

 

Before:

• Watch out for dark, rotating clouds.

• If you see one, take shelter immediately!

• Listen for a tornado siren.

• If you hear it, seek shelter immediately!

• Turn on your TV/radio.

• You’ll get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

• Avoid unnecessary car trips.

• You don’t want to be caught outside if a tornado comes.

• Bring in outdoor furniture and other items that could blow away.

• These may become a safety hazard.

 

During:

• Take shelter immediately!

• Flying debris from high winds causes most injuries.

• Keep windows closed and stay away from them.

• Glass from broken windows can injure you.

  • If you’re in a building, go to the basement or lowest floor.

• That’s the safest location.

  • If you’re in a mobile home, go to the nearest building or storm shelter.

• Even if tied down, your home can’t protect you.

  • If you’re driving, fasten your seatbelt and go to the nearest building for cover.

• You’re safer indoors.

  • If your car gets hit by debris, stop, cover your head, and stay below the windows.

• You’re safer inside the car than outside.

  • If you’re outside, lie down in a low, flat area and cover your head with your hands.

• You’re safer lying down than standing up.

 

After:

• Avoid entering damaged buildings.

• Broken glass and exposed nails can injure you.

• Keep away from downed power lines and objects touching them.

  • You can be electrocuted.

• Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and gloves when walking through debris.

• Stepping on nails and glass can injure you.

Other informational links for additional safety precautions:

1. https://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/tornado/preparedness.html