Before

Planning for a tornado.

• Learn the warning signals in your area. (siren sounds)
• Conduct safety drills with your family in the home.
• Make sure all members of your family knows the correct procedures if they are at work or school when a tornado hits.

Stock emergency supplies

• Be sure you have the following basic supplies on hand and in an accessible location.
• Flashlight and batteries (long-life alkaline batteries; store in a cool dry place).
• Portable radio and extra batteries (long-life batteries; store in a cool dry place).
• First aid kit and handbook.
• Enough drinkable Water for each family member for at least three days: allow 1 gallon per person per day.
• Emergency food for at least three days: allow 3 meals per person per day.
• Required medications.
• Blankets, warm clothes, gloves and hard shoes.
• Pipe or crescent wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies.

During

Taking cover

• The safest place is underground; In a cellar or basement in your home.
• If you have no basement or cellar chose the smallest room in the middle of the house - like a closet.
• If your residents is in a mobile home seek safe shelter elsewhere at the first sign of severe weather. (community or family shelter).
• As a last resort go outside and lie flat on the ground or a ditch with your hands over your head and neck.
• If you are in your vehicle get out and seek a safe structure or lie flat on the ground or a ditch with your hands over your head and neck.

After

Keep calm. Stay in your shelter until it is safe to leave.

Check for injuries:

• Help injured or trapped persons without endangering yourself.
• Give first aid where needed.
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.
• Cover injured persons with blankets to keep them warm.

Check for the following potential risks.

• Fire hazard.
• Gas leaks. Shut off the main gas valve if you suspect or identify the odor of natural gas.
• Damaged electrical wiring. Shut off power at the control box if there is any damage to your house wiring.
• Do not touch downed power lines or objects of any kind.

Educate

• What is a tornado WATCH? Weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes.
• What is a tornado WARNING? A tornado or tornadoes have actually been sighted.
• If a tornado Warning has been issued; stay calm and act quickly! Follow your tornado plan and seek shelter immediately!

Source: FEMA