An interior hallway that does not contain windows may serve as sufficient shelter during a tornado
Tornadoes are hard to forecast and vary with the storm, making it essential to understand appropriate emergency procedures to take should the need arise. Tornadoes have many unpredictable aspects, including flying debris, sudden change of direction and constantly varying strength. It is nearly impossible to guarantee safety during a tornado, but you can take precautions to decrease your risk of injury or fatality.
Storm Awareness
When conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form, the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch. A tornado watch typically lasts several hours and is issued well before a storm actually develops in the area. The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning when a spotter or radar has indicated the development of a tornado. If you are in a tornado warning area you should immediately seek shelter.
Indoor Safety
The ideal location during a tornado is a safe room in a building or an underground shelter. If these areas are not available, look for a bathroom, stairwell or interior hallway to wait out the storm. If possible, take a mattress, heavy blankets or other protective materials to cover with and serve as a barrier against flying debris.
If you find yourself in a mobile home during a storm that may spawn a tornado, leave and go to a shelter or building with a safe area. Mobile homes are too light to withstand tornadoes and are easily destroyed.
Outdoor Safety
Never try to outrun a tornado in your car. Tornadoes can move extremely fast and may change direction unpredictably. If you find yourself in a car as a tornado approaches, immediately leave the car and head to the nearest building structure or underground shelter. If you are nowhere near a building, leave the car and find a low-lying area and lie as flat as possible. Do not try to park your car or take shelter under an overpass. This can be much more dangerous than staying out in the open as the wind can violently wrap around a bridge and take everything in its path.
Personal Protection
Crouch or lie on the ground as low as possible with your head covered regardless of where you are. This minimizes your exposure to flying objects and helps protect your head and vital organs from damage. Wear shoes if possible as you may need to walk on debris after the storm passes. It is always helpful to take a battery-powered radio into a shelter area so you can stay informed of weather conditions and know when to leave the safe area.
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