Tornado safety isn’t just about preparing before a tornado hits, it’s about knowing what to do during and after. This article will help you prepare for before, during, and after a tornado event.
Before a Tornado
- Make sure all family members know the tornado safe location in your home
- Store an emergency kit in your safe location
- Identify where to go if you are at work or school
- Make a family communications plan
During a Tornado
- Go to a safe location away from windows on the lowest level of a sturdy building
- If you are caught outside, get in a car, buckle-up, and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter
- Go to a storm shelter if you are in a mobile home
After a Tornado
- Beware of downed power lines, broken gas lines, and sharp/dangerous debris
- Avoid damaged areas
- Stay off the roads to allow rescue workers clear passage
- Follow instructions from officials
Preparing your pets
- Get your pets ready at first sign of an approaching storm
- Put your dog on a leash and your cat in a carrier
- Move all pets to the shelter well ahead of the storm
- Include pet food and medicines in your emergency kit
Related Articles:
- How tornadoes form
- Tornado facts
- Tornado Safety
- Lightning Safety
- Flood Safety
- Tornado Myths
- Lightning Myths
- Life cycle of thunderstorms
- Criteria for a tornado warning
- Criteria for a severe thunderstorm
- Difference between “flood” and “flash flood”
