Tornado Response: Sheltering and Safety

Watch for a rotating funnel-shaped cloud descending from a storm. Listen for a roaring sound similar to a freight train. Notice a greenish sky or hail during a thunderstorm. These are critical indicators that a tornado is forming or approaching. Act immediately upon seeing or hearing any of these signs—do not wait for official confirmation.

Do not look for the tornado to confirm it exists. Seek shelter at the first sign of any warning indicator.

Move to the lowest level of your building immediately. Avoid upper floors or rooms near windows. The safest locations are interior rooms without windows that provide the most shelter from wind and flying debris. A basement or interior hallway on the lowest floor is ideal. If in a home with an interior bathroom or closet on the lowest level, use those. Every second counts—do not gather belongings or pets.

Do not use elevators. Do not go to upper floors or exterior walls. Do not waste time on non-essential tasks.

If you have a basement, move to the corner farthest from windows and doors. In a bathtub, lie down flat and cover your head and neck with your arms. Under sturdy stairs, crouch low and protect your head. In an interior closet, sit on the floor facing a wall, protecting your head. Use mattresses, blankets, or cushions to cover yourself if available. Stay in this position until the noise and shaking completely stop and you can confirm the tornado has passed.

Do not stand in doorways or near windows. Do not assume the tornado has passed when noise momentarily decreases—tornados can have multiple vortexes.

Mobile homes cannot withstand tornado winds. If you live in a mobile home and a tornado warning is issued for your area, evacuate immediately to a sturdy building, preferably one with a basement or interior shelter room. Go to a designated community shelter, a neighbor's basement, or a nearby public building. Do not attempt to stay in or shelter within a mobile home during a tornado.

Mobile homes are extremely dangerous during tornados. Evacuation is your only safe option—do not shelter in place.

Find a low-lying ditch, ravine, or depression away from trees and vehicles. Lie face-down flat in the lowest area and cover the back of your head and neck with your hands. Stay down even if you hear the tornado passing. Avoid running toward or away from the tornado's path, as the direction of movement is unpredictable. Once the immediate danger passes, move away from the area to avoid secondary debris and aftereffects.

Do not attempt to outrun a tornado. Do not seek shelter under trees, vehicles, or bridges. Do not stand or crouch upright.

Highway overpasses create a wind tunnel effect that increases wind speeds and debris impact—do not shelter under them. Large open-span buildings like gymnasiums, warehouses, or shopping centers lack structural support and will collapse in tornado-force winds. Avoid these locations completely. Stay in small interior rooms with sturdy walls and minimal roof span above you.

Highway overpasses are extremely dangerous and will not protect you. Large open buildings offer no protection and will collapse.

Remain in your shelter until all tornado activity has ended. When safe, carefully exit and inspect your surroundings. Watch for downed power lines, broken glass, and structural damage. If your building is damaged or unstable, evacuate to a safer location. Clear debris cautiously, using gloves and eye protection. If you encounter natural gas smell or electrical hazards, leave the area and report it.

Do not touch downed power lines or assume they are dead. Do not re-enter damaged buildings. Do not assume structural damage is minor.