Before the tornado:
- Learn the difference between:
- A tornado watch (means tornadoes may develop) and
- A tornado warning (means a twister has been sighted and you should seek shelter immediately).
- Learn your community's warning signals.
- Conduct drills with your family.
During the tornado:
When a warning has been issued, go to your basement and get under something sturdy, such as a work-bench. If there is no basement, a small room in the middle of the house (a closet or bathroom) is best. Always stay away from outside walls and windows.
At work or school, or in a shopping mall, go to a designated shelter area. Stay away from large, open rooms such as auditoriums and gymnasiums, and rooms with windows. Lie low with hands covering the back of your head to reduce neck injury.
If you're in a car, don't try to outrun the tornado. Stop, get out, and either seek a safe structure or lie in a low area. If you're in a mobile home, go to a shelter.
