Office of Emergency Management

BEFORE THE TORNADO:

Advanced planning is the key to surviving a tornado. The entire family must be aware that there is little warning. Having planned their actions prior to the event is critical.

CONDUCT TORNADO DRILLS IN THE SPRING

Designate an area in your home as a shelter. It should be a room which is the strongest structurally and thus the most likely to withstand the strong wind and flying debris.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages people to have a "safe room" in their house. This room should be structurally enhanced to make it more secure than it was when originally built. If a home being constructed you should consider talking with the contractor about building in extra strength for one of the rooms. It is less expensive to do this during construction than to modify the house later.

IF YOU ARE AT HOME:

• Get to the lowest level in your home, such as a basement.
• If your home does not have a basement, go to an area without windows, such as an inner hallway or perhaps a bathroom.
• Stay away from windows.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• Seek shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a dining room table.
• If you are in a mobile home, leave it and seek shelter elsewhere.

IF YOU ARE AT WORK:

• If a basement exists, use it.  Otherwise seek an interior hall.
• Avoid facilities with wide span roofs, such as shopping malls, auditoriums and gymnasiums.
• Use your arms to protect your neck and head.

IF YOU ARE OUTDOORS:

• If possible, seek shelter in a building
• If you do not have time to get inside of a building, seek out low lying ground or a ditch.
• Crouch near a strong building

IF YOU ARE IN A VEHICLE:

• Tornadoes can change direction and can lift very large vehicles and toss them through the air.
• Leave your vehicle as quickly as possible and seek shelter in a building.
• If you cannot reach a building, seek shelter in a low lying area or a ditch.

Tornado Facts and Key Points
Tornado Danger Signs to look for
After the Tornado has hit