Back to forecast
What To Do During A Tornado
April 10, 2023 at 06:01 PM EDT
By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Alyssa Robinette
The average time from when a tornado warning is issued to when a tornado strikes is around 13 minutes. That time can go by quickly – even when you are prepared and know what to do. Following these steps when a tornado strikes will minimize impacts and keep you safe.
Before the Tornado
Stay informed of the weather and know if severe weather is supposed to threaten your area. Know the difference between a watch and warning. A watch means that the ingredients for severe weather are there, but nothing is imminent. You should be prepared to act should something develop. A warning means that severe weather has been spotted or is indicated on radar, and you should take precautions immediately.
You should also make sure your children know what a tornado is, what tornado watches and warnings are, what county or parish they live in and what makes a location a safe shelter, whether at home or school.
If severe weather is in the forecast, you should have:
If you are in a tornado warning at your house, you should go to the basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floors, such as the bathroom, closet or center hallway. For added protection, get under something sturdy like a heavy table or workbench. Cover yourself with a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress. If you are running low on options, protect yourself with anything available.
Do not stay in a mobile home. If you are in a mobile home, find a nearby building, preferably one that has a basement.
At Your Workplace or School
If you are in a tornado warning at your workplace or school, follow your tornado drill and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms, such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums. Get down on your knees, bend over and cover your head with your hands.
Outside
Seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a mobile home or tent. If you have time, get to a safe, secure building.
In a Vehicle
Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. The best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
Sources: NOAA, NWS, CDC
------
Tornado in Wray, Colorado in May of 2016. Was rated an EF2. (KingShopArt via Shutterstock)
Before the Tornado
Stay informed of the weather and know if severe weather is supposed to threaten your area. Know the difference between a watch and warning. A watch means that the ingredients for severe weather are there, but nothing is imminent. You should be prepared to act should something develop. A warning means that severe weather has been spotted or is indicated on radar, and you should take precautions immediately.
You should also make sure your children know what a tornado is, what tornado watches and warnings are, what county or parish they live in and what makes a location a safe shelter, whether at home or school.
If severe weather is in the forecast, you should have:
- Fresh batteries and a battery-operated TV, radio or internet-enabled device to listen to the latest emergency weather information.
- A tornado emergency place, including access to a safe shelter for yourself, your family, people with special needs and your pets.
- An emergency kit, including water, non-perishable food and medication.
- A list of important information, including telephone numbers.
If you are in a tornado warning at your house, you should go to the basement or an inside room without windows on the lowest floors, such as the bathroom, closet or center hallway. For added protection, get under something sturdy like a heavy table or workbench. Cover yourself with a blanket, sleeping bag or mattress. If you are running low on options, protect yourself with anything available.
Do not stay in a mobile home. If you are in a mobile home, find a nearby building, preferably one that has a basement.
At Your Workplace or School
If you are in a tornado warning at your workplace or school, follow your tornado drill and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms, such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums. Get down on your knees, bend over and cover your head with your hands.
Outside
Seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a mobile home or tent. If you have time, get to a safe, secure building.
In a Vehicle
Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. The best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine.
Sources: NOAA, NWS, CDC
------
Tornado in Wray, Colorado in May of 2016. Was rated an EF2. (KingShopArt via Shutterstock)