How to Create a Family Tornado Safety Plan

Having a plan for what to do should a tornado strike is important for ensuring the safety of your family. Being prepared now will help you avoid panic and confusion later. Use these guidelines to help prepare your family for a worst-case scenario.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Designate a place in your home where everyone should go during a tornado. Choose a room without windows near the middle of the house on the lowest floor.

2. Know what your tornado siren sounds like and make sure that children know what to do when they hear it.

3. Discuss with family members what to do if they are at home and a tornado hits. Also talk about what to do in other situations, such as if they are outside, at school or in a car during a tornado.

4. Make a plan for accounting for all family members during a tornado. This is especially important if you have small children or elderly or disabled persons living in your home.

5. Decide on a course of action once you have taken cover. Plan what you will use as protection against falling debris and know how long you should wait to leave after the storm has hit.

6. Prepare a disaster supply kit with emergency supplies for use in the event of a tornado. Your kit should contain first aid items, bottled water, a radio and a flashlight with extra batteries, among other necessary supplies.

7. Practice your tornado drill with your family to ensure that everyone knows what to do if a tornado hits.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan what you will do with pets or livestock during a tornado.
• Watch your television or listen to the radio when weather conditions look ominous. If a storm is headed your way and your local authorities suggest taking shelter, do so immediately.
• Take your disaster supply kit with you when taking shelter, and continue listening for weather updates on the radio.
• Go to the lowest floor if you live in an apartment building. If there isn't time to get to the lowest floor then take shelter in or under a stairwell or in an interior hallway.
• Evacuate a mobile home in the event of a tornado. Have a pre-arranged place to take shelter or, in extreme situations, go outside and lay flat in a low area with your arms covering your head and neck. Stay away from heavy objects that could become flying debris.
• Avoid taking an elevator during a tornado, since you could potentially get trapped inside during a power outage.