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.

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.

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.