Tornado Precautions and Preparedness
Tornado Safety
Tornadoes are the world’s most violent storms. They can occur anywhere, but are most common in the states east of the Rocky Mountains, especially during the spring and summer months. They are capable of tremendous destruction and are responsible for approximately 80 fatalities and over 1,500 injuries each year. While these storms can be devastating, there are tornado precautions you can take to better prepare for a tornado in your area.
Tornado Preparedness In Advance
The best plan in any natural disaster is to be prepared in advance. While tornadoes often appear unexpectedly with little warning, there are things you can do to better prepare for a tornado.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.
Tornado Precautions – During The Storm
While a tornado watch indicates that a tornado in your area is possible and you should be alert to approaching storms, a tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted and you should take shelter immediately. The following steps are recommended tornado precautions to take when a storm is imminent.
If you are at home, work, or otherwise indoors:
- Go to an underground shelter area such as a basement or storm cellar.
- If no underground shelter is available, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level of the building such as a closet, bathroom, or interior hallway. The interior room should be away from corners, windows, doors, and as far away from outside walls as possible.
- Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
- Do not open windows.
If you are in a vehicle:
- A vehicle is one of the most dangerous places to be in a tornado. Never try to outrun a tornado.
- Get out of the vehicle and seek a sturdy, nearby structure.
- If no building is nearby, get out of the vehicle and lie down in a low area with your hands covering the back of your head and neck.
- Be alert to the possibility of flash floods.
If you are outside:
- Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flash flooding.
- Do not seek shelter under a bridge or overpass. You are safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most tornado-associated fatalities and injuries.
