October 2009
Page 1
Tornado Procedures
If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!
If in a structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory,
shopping center, high-rise building):
Go to a pre-designated shelter area
such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the
lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the
lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls.
Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Do not open windows.
If in a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home:
Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm
shelter. Mobile homes, even
if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.
If outside with no shelter:
Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of
the potential for flooding.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave
the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
Information taken from FEMA.gov.
