How do I prepare for a tornado?

When a tornado is coming, you have only a short amount of time to make life-or-death decisions. Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado.

How to plan:

• Conduct tornado drills each tornado season.
  • Designate an area in the home as a shelter, and practice having everyone in the family go there.
• Discuss with family members the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning:
  • A tornado watch means that tornadoes are possible in your area; remain alert for approaching storms and rapidly changing weather conditions. Know what counties or parishes are in the watch area by watching your local news or listening to the radio. The National Weather Service's (NWS) watches and warnings are also available on the Internet.
  • A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. A warning indicates imminent danger to the life and property of those in the path of the storm. Move to your pre-designated shelter.
• Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on tornadoes.
• Create a disaster supplies kit.

Develop an emergency communication plan:

• In case family members are separated, have a plan for getting back together.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact."
  • Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.

Look for the following danger signs:

• Dark, often greenish sky.
• Large hail.
• A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating).
• Loud roar, similar to a freight train.

You may also wish to view the information at the following links:

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) What to Do before a Tornado web page
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Tornadoes: Being Prepared web page 
• The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Tornado Preparedness web page

By USA.gov team