During a Tornado
At Home
- Go at once to the basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building.
- If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
- Get away from windows.
- Go to the center of the room and:
- Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.
- Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table and hold on to it.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
- If in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere.
At Work or School
- Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level.
- Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls.
- Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Outdoors
- If possible, get inside a building.
- If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
If in a car, NEVER try to outdrive a tornado in a car or truck.
Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up the car or truck and toss it through the air.
- Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.
- If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.