How to Stay Safe During a Tornado

Be prepared

To stay safe during a tornado, make sure you have:

– an emergency kit comprising non-perishable food, water, and medication

– a list of vital information, including phone numbers

– an emergency plan, including access to a safe shelter for you, your family, and people with special needs during a tornado

– fresh batteries and a battery-operated radio, TV, or internet-enabled device to give you access to the latest emergency weather information

– Moreover, ensure your children know what a tornado is, what tornado warnings and watches are, what parish or county they live in, and what makes a location a safe shelter (whether at school or home).

Know the right place to shelter

During a tornado, falling and flying debris cause most injuries and deaths. Although there’s no place that’s completely safe during a tornado, there are some that are safer than others. Here’s what you should do during a tornado:

– Avoid windows.

– Go to the basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floor (closet, bathroom, center hallway).

– Don’t stay in a mobile home.

– For additional protection, get under a sturdy table or workbench. Cover your body with a mattress, blanket, or sleeping bag. Also, don’t miss protecting your head with anything available.

If you’re outside or in a mobile home, go inside a nearby building, preferably one with a basement.

Stay updated about the weather

To keep yourself and your family safe from harm’s way during a tornado, closely monitor the changing weather conditions in your area. If you’re aware that thunderstorms are likely, stay tuned to local TV and radio stations or a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) weather radio for further weather updates. If there are any weather signs, such as large hail or a dark or green-colored sky, take cover immediately and keep track of the weather conditions.

Use these tips to stay safe during the tornado season.