Important Steps to Increase Safety During a Tornado

Here we are, just two months into the “tornado season” and the destruction has been profound.   From Wisconsin to North Carolina to Missouri to Alabama, the recent tornadoes have been ruthless and deadly.  This path of devastation has left many people wondering what they can do to stay safe.  Tornadoes are a difficult disaster to mitigate because they can happen quickly and without warning.

While it is true that we cannot control their velocity we can prepare for tornadoes by having and maintaining a plan.  At a very basic level, everyone should know how to seek shelter during a tornado.  The ultimate goal is to get as low as possible and in a safe and secure place during a tornado.  It is important to remember that where you go is dependent on the type of structure.

If you are in a structure that has a basement or storm cellar, this is where you should go.  If the structure does not have a basement, you should move to the lowest floor of the building to an interior room with no windows.  Interior room examples include closets, bathrooms, and hallways.  If possible get under something sturdy like a workbench or a table.  If you are taking shelter in an interior bedroom, cover your body with the mattress.  

Mobile homes are not structurally adequate to provide shelter from a tornado even if the home is anchored or tied down.  If you live in a community that has a designated tornado shelter, you should go there immediately.  If there is not a designated shelter, go to any nearby building.  If there is not a structure within walking distance and the tornado is not insight, flee in your car to the closest structure.  In the worst case scenario, if there is not time to flee, leave your mobile home and ride the storm out on low ground, in an open space away from any trees or mobile homes.  If you find yourself in this situation, protect yourself by laying flat and using your hands to cover your head.  Remember, it is safer to be outside then in your mobile home during a tornado.   


While knowing where to go during a tornado is invaluable knowledge, there are also things you can do prior to a tornado to enhance your overall safety.  Please see the safety tips below:

• Tornado Drill:  Practice tornado drills at home with your family or roommates at least twice a year.  This will help to ensure that all members of your household will remember the shelter location during an emergency. 
• Tree Maintenance:  Limit damage by removing dead or dying trees from your property.  Also look for damaged or diseased limbs and remove them as well. 
• Secure Outdoor Items:  When there is a severe weather watch or a tornado watch, secure loose items outdoors.  For example, bring in your lawn furniture and take down hanging plants. 
• Stay Informed:  Listen to local news stations or a NOAA Weather Radio during a tornado watch to stay informed of approaching storms.  Make sure that you have access to a battery powered radio in case approaching storms knock out the power. 
• Disaster Supply Kit:  Build and maintain a Disaster Supply Kit.  Your kit should be stored in the area where you plan to take shelter.

If you would like more information about tornado safety, I recommend downloading and printing the American Red Cross Tornado Safety Checklist.  This one page guide provides an actionable checklist detailing things to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Written by Kate Schweigart