
- IN HOMES OR SMALL BUILDINGS: Go to the basement (if available) or
to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or
bathroom. Upper floors are unsafe. If there is no time to descend, go to a closet, a small room with strong walls,
or an inside hallway. Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect
yourself from flying debris.
- IN SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, FACTORIES, OR SHOPPING CENTERS: Go to
interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from glass
enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums
and warehouses. Crouch down and cover your head. Don't take shelter in halls that open to the south or the
west. Centrally-located stairwells are good shelter.
- IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS: Go to interior small rooms or halls. Stay
away from exterior walls or glassy areas.
- IN CARS OR MOBILE HOMES: ABANDON THEM IMMEDIATELY!!! Most deaths occur in cars and mobile homes. If you are in
either of those locations, leave them and go to a substantial
structure or designated tornado shelter.
- IF NO SUITABLE STRUCTURE IS NEARBY: Lie flat in the nearest ditch
or depression and use your hands to cover your head. Be alert for flash floods.
- DURING A TORNADO: Absolutely avoid buildings with large free-span roofs. Stay away from west and south walls.
Remember: lowest level, smallest room, center part.
- TO PREPARE FOR A TORNADO: Store water in clean covered containers.
You should keep disaster supplies in your home at all times (i.e.
flashlight, candles, matches, etc.).
Introductory Information | Safety Information | General Glossary | Tornado Intensity Scale
Warning Definitions | Severe Event Location Codes | Tornado Statistics Listed by State (1950-1994)
1995 Killer Tornadoes | Storm Chaser's Guide
Back to
home page
TM & © 1996 Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures