Tornadoes

Know the Terms

• Tornado Watch: A tornado is possible in your area. You should monitor weather-alert radios and local radio and TV stations for information.
• Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted in the area or has been indicated by National Weather Service Doppler radar. When a warning is issued, take cover immediately.

Create a plan

• Decide where you will go in case of a tornado warning. Include an emergency meeting place for your family.
• Pick a safe room in your home:
  • If an underground shelter is not available, go into a windowless interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
  • If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
  • Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.
  • Storm cellars or basements give the best protection
  • A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Go to a nearby sturdy building, or lie down in a ditch away from your home, covering your head with your hands. Mobile homes are extremely unsafe during tornadoes.

If You Are Away from Home

Take These Steps:

• Cars and trucks: Get out of your vehicle and try to find shelter inside a sturdy building. A culvert or ditch can provide shelter if a substantial building is not nearby. Lie down flat and cover your head with your hands. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
• Open buildings (shopping mall, gym or civic center): Try to get into a restroom or interior hallway. If there is no time, get up against something that will support or deflect falling debris. Protect your head by covering it with your arms.

Lightning & Thunderstorms

If you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning.

Know the Terms

• Severe Thunderstorm Watch: large hail, winds 58 mph or greater or a tornado are possible in your area in the next 3 to 6 hours.
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning: large hail, winds 58 mph or greater or a tornado are happening in your area or are about to happen.

30 / 30 Rule

Use the 30 / 30 rule:

• If the time between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder is 30 seconds or less, then lightning is close enough to strike you. Go inside immediately.
• Wait inside until 30 minutes have passed since the last flash of lightning.

Create a Plan

• If a thunderstorm is likely in your area, go indoors and use the 30 / 30 rule.
• Listen to local TV or radio for weather watches and warnings.
• Plumbing, bathroom fixtures and corded telephones can conduct electricity and cause serious injury.
• Secure outdoor items that could blow away.
• Unplug computers or television sets to prevent power surges.

Additional Information

Learn more about how to prepare for these situations on the Preparedness page.