What Are Safety Procedures During a Tornado?

Tornadoes are violent, potentially deadly storms characterized by rotating winds that can reach speeds of up to 300 miles per hour. These storms can be powerful enough to rip the roofs off of buildings, hurl automobiles through the air, uproot trees, and devastate whole towns. Tornadoes have been reported in all 50 states and can occur any time of year. The path of a tornado can extend for more than 50 miles and be more than a mile wide.

Stay Inside

In the event of a tornado warning, do not attempt to go outside or to a window in an attempt to see the tornado.

Safe Location

If you are in a building when the warning is issued go to the lowest level of the building, preferably to a basement or storm cellar.

Alternate Location

If there is no basement or cellar, go to an interior room on the lowest level of the building, away from windows and doors. If possible cover yourself with a sturdy table, mattress or anything else that will protect you from flying debris.

Vehicle or Mobile Home

If you are in a vehicle or mobile home, get out and move to any solid nearby building.

Outdoors

If no sturdy building is available try to find any depression or ditch and lie down flat in it. Cover your head with your hands.

Warning

Tornadoes frequently are spawned by thunderstorms so beware of lightning and potential flooding.

Resources

• FEMA Homepage