Tornado

Q: Where is the safest place to shelter?

During a tornado, get to the lowest floor, most interior room, away from windows: Best: Basement or storm cellar Good: Interior bathroom or closet on the lowest floor (plumbing in walls adds structural support) Acceptable: Under a sturdy table or stairwell Never shelter in: Mobile homes (evacuate to a sturdy building), cars, or large open rooms (gyms, auditoriums). Protect your head and neck with a helmet, pillows, or a mattress. Flying debris causes most tornado injuries.

Q: What is the difference between a watch and a warning?

This distinction can save your life: WATCH = Conditions are favorable for tornadoes. Be prepared. Review your plan, know where your shelter is, stay alert to weather updates. WARNING = A tornado has been sighted or detected on radar. Take shelter IMMEDIATELY. You may have only 10-30 minutes, sometimes less. Think of it this way: A watch means "watch the sky." A warning means "take action NOW."

Q: How do I protect windows during a storm?

For hurricane/severe storm preparation: Plywood shutters (5/8" minimum) are the most effective and affordable option. Pre-cut and label them for each window. Hurricane shutters (permanent installation) are ideal if you're in a storm-prone area Do NOT tape windows — this is a myth that doesn't work and creates larger, more dangerous shards During a tornado, stay away from windows entirely — there's no time or point in protecting them. Get to your interior shelter.

Seconds of preparation can mean the difference between safety and harm

8 things to do before · 8 steps during · 9 after · 5 questions answered

Last updated 2026-09-25. Written by Project Trinetra, a program of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Unravel The Love. It is not an official government publication and does not replace instructions from your local emergency authorities.

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Before — Plan Your Shelter

Tornadoes strike with little warning. Knowing where to go before they hit is essential.

#	Do this
1	Identify your safe room (basement, interior room, lowest floor)
2	Practice tornado drills -- go to safe room in under 60 seconds
3	Keep helmets or thick blankets near safe room for head protection
4	Keep sturdy shoes in safe room
5	Know the difference: Watch (conditions possible) vs Warning (spotted)
6	Enable weather alerts on your phone
7	Trim weak branches and dead trees near your home
8	If in mobile home, identify nearest sturdy building for shelter

During — When a Tornado Warning Is Issued

You may have only minutes. Act immediately.

#	Step
1	Go to your safe room IMMEDIATELY -- basement or interior room on lowest floor
2	Get under sturdy furniture and cover your head and neck
3	Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls
4	If in a mobile home, leave and get to a sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch
5	If in a car, drive to nearest sturdy building -- do NOT try to outrun a tornado
6	If caught outdoors, lie flat in the lowest area and cover your head
7	Do NOT shelter under highway overpasses -- wind tunnels increase danger
8	Cover yourself with a mattress, thick blankets, or sleeping bag

After — After the Tornado Passes

Remain cautious. Structural damage may not be immediately visible.

#	Step
1	Stay in your safe room until the all-clear is given
2	Watch for fallen power lines, broken glass, and nails
3	Do not enter damaged buildings until inspected
4	Check for gas leaks -- if you smell gas, leave and call 911
5	Use flashlight to inspect, never candles or matches
6	Help trapped or injured neighbors if safe to do so
7	Document damage with photos for insurance
8	Beware of secondary tornadoes -- storms can produce multiple
9	Listen to local news for updates and shelter locations

Supplies specific to this hazard

Bicycle or construction helmet
Thick blankets or sleeping bags
Sturdy shoes for each family member
Crowbar or pry bar
Heavy-duty work gloves

Questions people ask

Where is the safest place to shelter?

During a tornado, get to the lowest floor, most interior room, away from windows:

Best: Basement or storm cellar
Good: Interior bathroom or closet on the lowest floor (plumbing in walls adds structural support)
Acceptable: Under a sturdy table or stairwell

Never shelter in: Mobile homes (evacuate to a sturdy building), cars, or large open rooms (gyms, auditoriums).

Protect your head and neck with a helmet, pillows, or a mattress. Flying debris causes most tornado injuries.

Full Tornado guide — before, during and after →

What is the difference between a watch and a warning?

This distinction can save your life:

WATCH = Conditions are favorable for tornadoes. Be prepared. Review your plan, know where your shelter is, stay alert to weather updates.

WARNING = A tornado has been sighted or detected on radar. Take shelter IMMEDIATELY. You may have only 10-30 minutes, sometimes less.

Think of it this way: A watch means "watch the sky." A warning means "take action NOW."

See what's active near you on the live map →

How do I protect windows during a storm?

For hurricane/severe storm preparation:

Plywood shutters (5/8" minimum) are the most effective and affordable option. Pre-cut and label them for each window.
Hurricane shutters (permanent installation) are ideal if you're in a storm-prone area
Do NOT tape windows — this is a myth that doesn't work and creates larger, more dangerous shards

During a tornado, stay away from windows entirely — there's no time or point in protecting them. Get to your interior shelter.

Full Tornado guide — before, during and after →

What supplies do I need in a storm shelter?

Keep these in your shelter area (basement, safe room, or interior closet):

Helmets for everyone (bike helmets work great)
Flashlight with extra batteries
Battery-powered weather radio (NOAA)
Sturdy shoes (for walking through debris after)
Phone and charger
Whistle (to signal if trapped)
First aid kit
Water and snacks
Blankets or sleeping bags

Store everything in a waterproof container. Check supplies every 6 months.

Tornado preparation checklist →

How do I stay safe if caught outdoors?

If you're caught outside during a tornado with no shelter nearby:

Get to the lowest ground possible — a ditch, ravine, or low area
Lie flat and face down, protecting the back of your head with your hands
Stay away from: Trees, cars, bridges, and overpasses (they create wind tunnels)
Do NOT try to outrun a tornado on foot

This is a last resort — always seek a sturdy building if possible. If you're in a car, drive at right angles to the tornado's path to get out of its way. Never park under an overpass.

Full Tornado guide — before, during and after →

Quick facts

Tornado safety: Lowest floor, most interior room, away from windows.
A watch means 'watch the sky.' A warning means 'take action NOW.'
Don't tape windows during storms — it's a myth that creates larger, more dangerous shards.
Keep bike helmets in your shelter area — flying debris causes most tornado injuries.
Never shelter under a highway overpass during a tornado — they create wind tunnels.

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