Each year approximately one thousand tornadoes touch down in the United States. While only a small percentage actually hit  occupied structures, there have always been a number of human casualties and injuries. There are steps that you can take to stay safe in the event of a tornado. 

The number one thing you can do is to be aware to the onset of severe weather. Most deaths and injuries happen to people who simply do not pay attention to shifts in the weather and who take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families. If you see dark or odd looking clouds moving in and the weather begins to look like a storm is coming, turn to the local radio or television station and listen for the updated weather report.  The Weather Channel takes steps to provide updated information about upcoming storms.
 

If you hear that a tornado "watch" is issued for your area, it means that a tornado is "possible."
 

If a tornado "warning" is issued in your area, it means that a tornado has actually been spotted, or may be showing up on radar.  This means that you must head to a shelter right away.  Many people who have been through a tornado have reported changes in the environment that are clues to a coming tornado.  Here is what's been reported.

• A sickly greenish or greenish black color to the sky.

• If there is a watch or warning posted and hail is falling there is a good change that a tornado will follow.

• A strange quiet that occurs within or shortly after the thunderstorm.

• Clouds moving by very fast, especially in a rotating pattern or converging toward one area of the sky.

• A sound ike a waterfall but becoming a roar as it comes closer. The sound of a tornado has been likened to that of both railroad trains and jets.

• Debris dropping from the sky.

• An obvious "funnel-shaped" cloud that is rotating, or debris such as branches or leaves being pulled upwards.

Tornadoes usually move from southwest to northeast, they also move towards the east, the southeast, the north, and even northwest.
 

What to Do

Have a family safety plan in place BEFORE there is a need to use it during a real emergency.
 

The best places to be safe during a tornado are:

• Some companies manufacture pre-fabricated shelters that you drop into a hole in the ground, and that blends in with home landscaping (some more, some less).  You may recall the tornado shelter in the movie "The Wizard of OZ."  This is a wise investment if you live in a tornado zone.
   

• In a basement, away from the west and south walls.  Hiding under a heavy work-table or under the stairs will protect you from crumbling walls, chimneys, and large airborne debris falling into the cellar. Keep old blankets, quilts and an unused mattress in this area to protect you from any flying debris.  Remember to be prepared because you will not have time to find this items when the tornado hits.
   

• In a small, room on the first floor that has no windows.  A bathroom is good because most often a bath tube and a toilet are the only items still remaining after a tornado hits.  Get into the bathtub and place a matress or coushion over you for protection.
   

  Every member of your family must know what the tornado safety plan is and be prepared to implement the plan at a moment's notice.  Practice with your family and have tornado drills so you are will rehearsed in case of a real emergency.

   

  The Red Cross has an excellent web site that will give you information on how to be prepared for a tornado.  They suggest an emergency kit with the following included items:

   

  • A first aid kit with essential medication in addition to the usual items.

  • A battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

  • Canned and other non-perishable food and a hand operated can opener.

  • Bottled water.

  • Sturdy shoes and work gloves.

  • Written instructions on how to turn off your homes utilities.

   

  If you are at school

  Leave auditoriums, gymnasiums, and other wide-open rooms, in an orderly manner.  Stay away from glass, both in windows and doors. If you are able to cover your head with a solid object, do so, otherwise, use your hands. It would make most sense if the school administrator lets everyone go home when the reports of bad weather occur.  If school lets out and you are either walking or biking home do not procrastinate.  Go home immediately.  If you cannot make it home and are caught out in the open during a tornado you must get to an inside shelter immediately.  The basement of a strong building would be the best for safety but lying flat in a ditch or low-lying area may be the only thing available. 

  If you are in a car

  If you are in a car, and you can see a tornado developing or approaching,  you must leave the car immediately and take shelter as indicated above. Inside the basement of a sturdy building or in a ditch or culvert may be your best moves when caught outside during the tornado. Do not think that driving in the opposite direction from the tornado will keep you safe.  You have no idea how fast the tornado is traveling or what the weather conditions will be that you are driving towards.  A tornado can blow a car off a road, pick a car up and send it through the air, or tumble a car over and over. Many people have been killed in cars while they were trying to outrun the tornado.
   

  If you in a high-rise building

  In large buildings look to be inside an Interior rooms or hallway . Central stairwells are good but do not go into an elevator because If the building loses power you may be stuck for a long time. Stay away from glass walls and windows, no matter how small.
   

  If you are in a mobile home

  It is a fact that most tornado deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you live in a mobile home park, speak to the park manager for the information on where to go if a tornado strikes.  Know this information before you need it.  Mobile home parks may have a designated tornado shelter, or a steel reinforced concrete laundry room.  If they don't, you need to identify a substantial structure that you can get to quickly. You may have only seconds to get to it.

  If you are in a hospital or other public facility

  Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor but stay away from rooms with windows of any size.  Crouch down and cover your head. Deaths have occurred in large, single story department stores when brick walls collapsed.  Try to find small, interior rooms.