BE PREPARED FOR A
TORNADO
Tornadoes can
destroy buildings,
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Tornadoes are
violently rotating 200+ MPH
columns of air
that extend from
a thunderstorm
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IF YOU ARE UNDER A TORNADO WARNING,
FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY
Go to a safe room, If you can safely get to a sturdy
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HOW TO STAY SAFE
WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS
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NOW DURING AFTER
Know your area’s tornado risk. In the Immediately go to a safe location Keep listening to EAS, NOAA
U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast WKDW\RXLGHQWLGLHG Weather Radio, and local authorities
have a greater risk for tornadoes. for updated information.
Take additional cover by shielding
Know the signs of a tornado, your head and neck with your If you are trapped, cover your
including a rotating funnel-shaped arms and putting materials such as mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid
cloud, an approaching cloud of furniture and blankets around you. breathing dust. Try to send a text,
debris, or a loud roar—similar to a bang on a pipe or wall, or use a
freight train. Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather whistle instead of shouting.
Radio, or local alerting systems for
Sign up for your community’s current emergency information and Stay clear of fallen power lines or
warning system. The Emergency Alert instructions. broken utility lines.
System (EAS) and National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration Do not try to outrun a tornado in Do not enter damaged buildings until
(NOAA) Weather Radio also provide a vehicle. you are told that they are safe.
emergency alerts. If your community
has sirens, become familiar with the If you are in a car or outdoors and Save your phone calls for
warning tone. cannot get to a building, cover your emergencies. Phone systems are
head and neck with your arms and often down or busy after a disaster.
Pay attention to weather reports. cover your body with a coat or Use text messaging or social media to
Meteorologists can predict when blanket, if possible. communicate with family and friends.
conditions might be right for
a tornado. Be careful during clean-up. Wear
thick-soled shoes, long pants, and
Identify and practice going to a work gloves.
safe shelter for high winds, such as a
safe room built using FEMA criteria
or a storm shelter built to ICC 500
standards. The next best protection is
a small, interior, windowless room in a
sturdy building on the lowest level.
Take an Active Role
Consider constructing a safe in Your Safety
room that meets FEMA or
ICC 500 standards. Go to [Link] and search
for tornado. Download
the FEMA app to get
more information about
preparing for a tornado.
Find Emergency Safety Tips
FEMA V-1010
under Prepare.
Catalog No. 17233-11
