Conduct tornado drills each tornado season. Designate an area in the home as a shelter, and practice having everyone in the family go there in response to a tornado threat.
Discuss with family members the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.
Have emergency supplies on hand.
During a tornado, if you are: 1. In a CAR, do not get under an overpass or bridge. Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be cautious seeking shelter in ditches due to flash flooding in some areas. 2. In a MOBILE HOME, get out and find shelter elsewhere! 3. In a HOME: Go at once to a windowless, interior room, storm cellar, or lowest level of the building. Go to an inner hallway or smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Stay away from the windows. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from the corners because tend to attract debris. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a heavy table or desk and hold on to it. Crouch down on your knees and protect your head with your arms. 4. In a SCHOOL: Every school should have a disaster plan and have frequent drills. Schools without basements should use interior rooms and hallways on the lowest floor away from windows. Crouch down on your knees and protect your head with your arms.
