Tornado Preparedness

Tornado Preparedness: Stay Safe and Be Prepared

Tornadoes are powerful and destructive storms that can strike anywhere. They can cause serious injuries, damage property, and disrupt essential services. It is important to prepare for tornadoes and know what to do before, during, and after

Home Destroyed by Tornado

IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY UNDER A TORNADO OR SEVERE WEATHER WARNING:

  • Go to NOAA Weather Radio (U.S.) and your local news or official social media accounts for updated emergency information. Follow the instructions of country, state or local officials.
  • Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
  • Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
  • Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
  • Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
  • Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
  • If you can’t stay at home, make plans to go to a public shelter.
BEFORE

1. Identify Safe Location:

  • Plan by identifying a sturdy building to shelter in before a tornado watch or warning. Find a safe room built to withstand high winds. The best protection is a small room with no windows on the lowest level of a building.
  • Avoid mobile homes, trailers, and recreational vehicles during high wind events.

2.  Practice Tornado Drills:

  • Conduct tornado drills with your household. Practice moving quickly to the safe locations you’ve identified.
  • Create a personal support team of people who can assist you and whom you can assist.

3.  Stay Connected:

  • Sign up your Local Emergency Alerts.
  • Sign up for WBD Emergency Alerts.
  • Monitor local weather and news.
  • Keep a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone handy.

4.  Gather Emergency Supplies:

  • Stock up on food, water, and medicine. Stores may be closed during tornadoes.
  • Keep personal, financial, and medical records accessible (hard copies or securely backed up).
  • Organize supplies into two kits:
    • Go-Kit: Contains at least 3 days of supplies that you can carry with you.
    • Stay-at-Home Kit: Includes at least 2 weeks of supplies.
DURING

1. Take Immediate Action:

  • If a tornado warning is issued, move to a safe location right away.
  • Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
  • Protect your head and neck by covering them with your arms.
  • Use furniture or blankets for additional cover.
AFTER

1. Assess the Situation:

  • Check for injuries and provide first aid if needed.
  • Be cautious of hazards like broken glass, downed power lines, and debris.

2. Stay Informed:

  • Listen to local authorities for updates and instructions.
  • Be aware of secondary hazards such as flooding.

3. Recovery Steps:

  • Contact family members to let them know you’re safe.
  • Begin cleanup and repair efforts.
  • Document damage for insurance claims.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

United States

Ready.Gov - Tornadoes

NOAA – Severe Weather 101 – Tornadoes

Australia/New Zealand

NSW State Emergency Service - Tornado

Get Ready NZ – What to do to be ready for a storm

Canada

Tornadoes – Get Prepared Canada

UK

British Red Cross – Storm Support

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