Tornadoes · 6 min read
Tornado safety: a household plan before, during and after
Identify your safest room, understand warnings and act quickly when a tornado threatens your area.
PrepKit · Updated on
Understanding watches and warnings
A tornado watch means conditions are favourable for tornadoes to develop. During a watch, you should monitor the weather, check your emergency supplies, and be ready to move to shelter. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar; there is imminent danger to life and property.
When a warning is issued, do not wait to see the tornado. Move to your pre-identified safe room immediately. Minutes or even seconds can make the difference in survival.
Identifying the safest room
The safest place during a tornado is a purpose-built storm cellar or a safe room that meets FEMA standards. If you do not have one, go to the lowest level of the building, such as a basement. If there is no basement, choose a small, central interior room on the lowest floor, like a bathroom, closet, or hallway.
Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. If you are in a mobile home, evacuate to a sturdy building immediately; they offer little protection even if tied down. If you are outdoors or in a vehicle and cannot reach a building, lie flat in a nearby ditch and cover your head with your hands.
Practising the plan
A plan only works if everyone knows how to execute it under pressure. Conduct tornado drills twice a year so every household member knows where the safe room is and what to do. Ensure everyone knows how to protect their head and neck from flying debris, which is the leading cause of injury.
Include pets in your drills. Know where they tend to hide when scared and have leashes or carriers ready near the shelter area.
Shelter area emergency kit
Keep a small kit specifically in your safe room or basement. Unlike a general go bag, this kit should focus on immediate protection and short-term survival. Include sturdy shoes for every family member to wear after the storm, a whistle to signal for help, and a first aid kit.
Store a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio in the shelter to receive updates if the power goes out. Helmets (such as bicycle or sports helmets) are also recommended to provide extra head protection from falling or flying debris.
Mobile alerts and communication
Ensure your mobile phone is set to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). These are free notifications sent by authorised government agencies that can wake you up or override other settings during extreme danger. Do not rely on sirens alone, as they are intended for people who are outdoors.
Keep your phone charged when a watch is in effect. If you have a weather radio, ensure it has fresh batteries and is set to the correct local frequency.
After the tornado
Once the danger has passed, check yourself and others for injuries. Use your whistle or text messages to call for help rather than voice calls to keep lines open for emergency services. Wear sturdy shoes and long sleeves when moving through debris, as broken glass and nails are common.
Be aware of the risk of gas leaks and structural damage. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave the area immediately and notify authorities. Do not use matches or lighters until you are sure there are no leaks.
Keep preparing