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What does my alert mean?

A Tornado WATCH is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are currently possible. 

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A Tornado WARNING is issued when a tornado is imminent. Seek shelter immediately!

TAKE ACTION

If you are INSIDE a PERMANENT HOME seek shelter in:

  • A basement, avoiding sheltering in areas beneath heavy objects on the floor above (refrigerators, pool tables, etc)

  • A small, interior room on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or closet. A bathtub offers some protection.

  • An interior hallway or beneath a stairwell if the above options are unavailable. 

  • In all situations surround yourself with mattresses, cushions, pillows, blankets, or clothing to protect from flying and falling debris. Protect head and neck.

 

If you are INSIDE a NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDING:

  • Follow emergency procedures in an orderly fashion

  • If emergency procedures are unknown, seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor possible

  • Stairwells and bathrooms are often designated storm shelters

  • Avoid large, open rooms like auditoriums, gyms, or cafeterias

  • Stay away from windows and shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture

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If you are INSIDE a MOBILE HOME:

  • Leave the mobile or manufactured home immediately! They are the least safe of all sheltering options!

  • Take refuge in a nearby permanent structure or storm shelter 

  • Follow outside sheltering guidelines if no other options exist

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If you are in a VEHICLE: 

  • Park the car/truck as quickly and safely as possible if you are caught by extreme winds or flying debris

  • Put head down below windows and protect head and neck with arms and any cushioning materials available

  • Vehicles are extremely dangerous in tornadoes. If you can get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, leave the vehicle and lie in that area. Follow outside sheltering guidelines.

  • Do not try to outrun or chase a tornado in a vehicle!

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If you are OUTSIDE:

  • ​Lie flat and face down on low ground (such as a ditch)

  • Get as far away from trees and vehicles as possible

  • Protect head and neck with arms

  • Because hail and lightning are of concern, sheltering outside should only be done if getting to a permanent structure is impossible

  • Do not seek shelter in mobile or manufactured homes!

EMERGENCY RESOURCES
National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center

https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/

American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org/find-your-local-chapter.html
Safe and Well
https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/
Ready.Gov

https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes

Emergency Services

CALL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES

AFTER THE STORM

  • Listen to NOAA National Weather Service radio for updated information. In stronger outbreaks it is not uncommon for multiple tornados to touch down. Stay aware!

  • Avoid downed power and utility lines
  • Do not enter a damaged structure until it has been declared safe by responders
  • If you are trapped, cover your mouth and nose with cloth. Bang on pipes, whistle, or send texts instead of shouting.
  • Phone systems are usually overwhelmed after a disaster. Do not call unless there is an emergency. Try text and social media to reach loved ones first.
MYTHS

  • Opening windows to equalize pressure is a waste of precious time. The tornado will open them for you!

  • Seeking shelter under a bridge or underpass will not save you from flying debris and hail! It does, however, create deadly traffic hazards. 

  • The southwest corner of a room is no safer than any other corner. Tornadoes can move in all directions and are deadly no matter which way they go!

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