What to do in case of a tornado:

Stay weather-ready: Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on tornado watches and warnings.

At your house: Go to your basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows.

At your workplace or school: Follow your tornado drill and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly.

Protect yourself: Cover your head or neck with your arms and use materials like furniture and blankets for added protection

What is the difference between a Tornado WATCH and a Tornado WARNING?

A Tornado WATCH is issued by the NOAA Storm Prediction Center meteorologists who watch the weather 24/7 across the entire U.S. for weather conditions that are favorable for tornadoes and severe weather. A watch can cover parts of a state or several states. Watch and prepare for severe weather and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio to know when warnings are issued.

A Tornado WARNING is issued by your local NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office meteorologists who watch the weather 24/7 over a designated area. This means a tornado has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar and there is a serious threat to life and property to those in the path of the tornado. A tornado warning indicates that you should ACT NOW to find safe shelter! A warning can cover parts of counties or several counties in the path of danger.

How Can You Stay Safe After a Tornado?

Keep listening to radio, TV or other news sources. Stay in your shelter until the tornado warning is over.

Do not enter damaged buildings.

If the building you are in has been damaged, exit with extreme care and stay out. Look around for things that might fall or dangerous debris. Do not use matches or lighters inside. If you smell gas or see spills that could be flammable, leave immediately.

If you are trapped, try to cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.

Watch out for exposed nails and broken glass.

Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.

Gather Emergency Supplies

Gather food, water, and medicine.  Stores and pharmacies might be closed. Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home-Kit:

Go-Kit: at least 3 days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)

Stay-at-Home Kit: at least 2 weeks of supplies. 

Have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container, and other needed medical supplies or equipment. 

Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.