Tornado Preparation

Have storm shutters installed on all the windows of your home.

Have a roofing contractor make sure that your roof and gutters are attached firmly to your home

Have any dead or diseased trees completely removed.

During any storm, listen to local news or weather radio to stay informed about watches and warnings.

Know your community's warning system.

Pick a 'safe room' in your home where household members and pets may gather during a tornado.

Have the walls and ceiling joists reinforced in your safe room.

Practice periodic tornado drills.

Consider having your 'safe room' reinforced.

Prepare for high winds by removing diseased and damaged limbs from trees.

Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or anything else that can be picked up by the wind.

Watch for tornado danger signs: dark, often greenish clouds, wall cloud, cloud of debris, large hail, funnel cloud or roaring noise.

When a Tornado is Threatening

The safest place to be is an underground shelter, basement, or safe room.

Remember that mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes.

Abandon mobile homes immediately.

Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.

Do not wait until you see the tornado.

Go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately.

If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter, or sturdy building.

If you cannot get to shelter, get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt, and try to drive at right angles to the storm movement and out of the path.

If strong winds and flying debris occur while you are driving, pull over and park, keeping seat belts on and the engine running.

If you are unable to get to a building or vehicle, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area and cover your head with your hands.

Plan to stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.

After a Tornado

Continue listening to weather radio for updated information and instructions.

Return to home only when authorities say it is safe.

Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes when examining home for damage.

Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines.

Stay out of damaged buildings.

If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out of the building quickly.

Take pictures of damage.

Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

Keep all of your animals under your direct control.

Check for injuries.

If you are trained, provide first aid to persons in need.

Tornado Checklist

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