Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:
- Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Stay tuned to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, radio, or television for information.
- Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately!
If you are in a:
- Structure: Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.*
- Vehicle: Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building, or storm shelter.
Outside with no shelter:
- Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
- Be aware of the potential for flooding.
- Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
- Never try to outrun a tornado. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
- Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
*Planning discussion necessary by your department, unit, college, or school