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Safety Procedures People Can Do at Home During a Tornado

According to the Tornado Project, thousands of tornadoes touch down every year in the US and can occur in any month. Tornadoes occurring early in the year are more intense and more violent than tornadoes that touch down in later months. Only a small percentage of these tornadoes damage buildings and cause death, but it is important to know what to do if a tornado strikes, even if you live in an area that doesn't have a tornado season.

  1. Be Aware

    • Listen to weather reports and keep an ear out for tornado warnings. If the weather looks stormy and strange clouds are moving in, tune in to a local radio station and listen for weather alerts. If a tornado watch is issued, a tornado is possible. If a tornado warning is issued, a tornado has been spotted or is indicated on radar.

    Be Prepared

    • Have a safety plan and practice safety drills with your family. Ensure every member of your family knows where to go if there is a tornado. Have a contact person in another area or city for family members to call if separated during an emergency. Keep a disaster supplies kit in your shelter area with a first aid kit, battery powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable foods, bottled water, sturdy shoes, work gloves and written instructions on how to turn off the utilities in your home. Store extra blankets, pillows, couch cushions and mattresses in your shelter area.

    Find Shelter

    • Your designated shelter area should be the safest location in your home. If you have a storm shelter, make sure every member of your family knows where it is, how to get inside and how to securely close the door. Otherwise, go to the basement of your house and stay away from the west and south walls and any windows. If you have no storm shelter and no basement, go to your smallest windowless first-floor bathroom closest to the center of the house. Extra framing in the bathroom may help protect you. Get into the bathtub; it's anchored to the ground and often the only thing left in a house after a tornado.

    Protect Yourself

    • Hide under stairs, a heavy table or sturdy furniture and cover yourself with couch cushions, mattresses, pillows or blankets to protect yourself from crumbling walls and falling debris. Keep your arms, legs and head under your protective covering. If you are in the bathtub, you'll be protected from the sides and can put protective coverings on top of yourself. If you have nothing else, you can put a metal trash can over as much of yourself as possible. Wrap your arms around your head to protect against head injuries.

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