Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:
- Happen anytime and anywhere;
- Bring intense winds, over 200 MPH; and
- Look like funnels.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS
Prepare NOW
- Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
- Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
- Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
- Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.
Associated Content
- Tornado Information Sheet (PDF)
- Tornado Playbook (PDF)
- Prepare Your Organization for a Tornado Playbook (PDF)
- Tornado Creative Materials (PDF)
- National Creative Resources (PDF)
- Organizational Tabletop Exercises (PowerPoint)
- Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room Inside Your House (pamphlet PDF)
- Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room Inside Your House (publication PDF)
- Tornado Protection – Selecting Refuge Areas in Buildings(PDF)
- How to Guides to Protect Your Property or Business from High Winds(PDF)
- American Red Cross (link)