What Should You Do During a
Tornado?
If at home:
- Go at once to a windowless,
interior room; storm cellar; basement; or lowest level of the building.
- If there is no basement, go to
an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom
or closet.
- Get away from the windows.
- Go to the center of the room.
Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.
- Get under a piece of sturdy
furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
- Use arms to protect head and
neck.
- If in a mobile home, get out
and find shelter elsewhere.
If 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 arms to protect head and
neck.
If 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 arms to protect 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 a 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.