Tornadoes
The critical first step in surviving a tornado is to listen for tornado watches and warnings. A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado. A tornado warning means there is immediate danger of a tornado.
While local radio and television stations alert us to tornadoes, the best way to hear tornado warnings in your home is with a weather radio. This device picks up around-the-clock broadcasts from the National Weather Service and sounds a loud alarm with a tornado warning.
Follow these steps
- Identify a safe place in your home and make sure all family members, especially children, know to go there for a tornado warning. Hold tornado drills so everyone remembers what to do.
- If you live in a house: The safest place in your home is the lowest level – the basem*nt. If you don't have one, choose a small room away from windows, like a closet, hallway or bathroom. Stay near the center of the house. Put as many walls as possible between you and a tornado. Close all doors. If your safest room is a first-floor bathroom, get in the tub and hold a mattress or cushions over your head for protection.
- If you live in a mobile home: If you hear a tornado warning, leave your home immediately and go to a nearby shelter or the basem*nt of a building. If you don't have time to reach a shelter, lie flat in a ditch, culvert or other low area and cover your head. Never try to flee a tornado in a vehicle.
- If you get caught outdoors: Hurry to the basem*nt of a sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch, culvert or other low area. Cover your head. Do not stay in a vehicle during a tornado.
Power Outages
In case of a possible power outage, make sure you:
- Stock up on non-perishable foods, heating fuel and medications. Click here to see what else should be in your Emergency Supply Kit.
- Fill your bathtub and spare containers with water in case your electric water pump or the local water system goes out.
- Have a flashlight, a battery-powered radio and fresh batteries handy.
- Prepare older family members, friends or neighbors who live alone for the weather.
