An approaching cloud of debris can mark the location
of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible.
Before
a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become
very still.
Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing
edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit
skies behind a tornado.
During
If at home:
Go at once to a windowless, interior room; storm cellar;
basement; or lowest level of the building.
If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller
inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
Get away from the windows.
Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because
they tend to attract debris.
Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench
or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
Use arms
to protect head and neck.
If in a mobile home,
get out and find shelter elsewhere.
If at work or school:
Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level.
Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums,
cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls.
Get
under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or
heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
Use arms
to protect head and neck.
If outdoors:
If possible, get inside a building.
If shelter is
not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in
a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building.
Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Use arms to
protect head and neck.
If in a car:
Never try to outdrive a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes
can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck
and toss
it through the air.
Get out of the car immediately
and take shelter in a nearby building.
If there
is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie
in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware
of the potential for flooding.
After
Help injured or trapped persons.
Give first aid when
appropriate.
Don't try to move the seriously injured
unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
Call for help.
Turn on radio or television to
get the latest emergency information.
Stay out
of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities
say it is safe.
Use the telephone only for emergency
calls.
Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, or gasoline
or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the buildings
if you smell gas or
chemical fumes.
Take pictures of the damage--both to the house and
its contents--for insurance purposes.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants,
the elderly, and people with disabilities.