Obtaining Accurate Information

Tornado Watch

Listen to the radio or television to get current weather information. Bring loose objects inside or tie them down securely if they are to be left outdoors. Be prepared to take shelter.

Tornado Warning

• Radio: Listen for updated warning information.
• Shelter: Move to a safe area immediately.
• Windows: Stay away from them! In your home: Go to the basement, storm cellar or lowest level of the home and take cover, preferably under the stairwell. If there is no basement, go to a room in the inner part of the house (with no windows), such as a bathroom or closet, on the lowest floor of the dwelling, get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table.
• In an office building, hospital, nursing home and school: go to the designated shelter area. If there is no shelter area, go to an inside hallway on the lowest floor. In mobile homes or vehicles: leave and go to a more substantial shelter (this recommendation applies even if the mobile home is "tied down".)
• If you are out-of-doors with no shelter available: Lie flat in a nearby ditch and shield your head with your arms. If you're in a vehicle: Never try to out drive a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air. Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.