National Weather Service - basic tornado safety rules

Here are some basic tornado safety rules...

- If you are outdoors, get indoors in a modern, enclosed building. If you cannot get indoors, as a last resort, go to a low spot, get down, and cover you head with your hands.

- If you are in a vehicle in a rural area, you may be able to drive away from the tornado. In an urban area, traffic could slow you down, so it is best to park and get into a modern, enclosed building. Mobile homes should be abandoned for a nearby stronger building.

- in your modern, enclosed home, the safest place is underground in a basement in a small interior room or under a sturdy structure. If you do not have a basement, go to an interior room, such as a closet or bathroom on the lowest floor. Use blankets...pillows, or cushions to shield your body. Alway stay away from windows, which can easily shatter in high winds.

- If you are in a public building, go to the predesignated shelter area. Personnel in the building will likely tell you where that shelter is located.

For more information on tornadoes and tornado safety, click HERE. For a brochure on Thunderstorms, Tornados, and Lightning (14 MB download), click HERE.