The first hour
- Go to your safe place: a basement, storm shelter, or a small interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Get down low and cover your head and neck with your arms, a mattress or blankets. Helmets help.
- Mobile homes are not safe. Go to a sturdy building or shelter.
- In a car with no shelter nearby: don't hide under an overpass. Get low below the windows and cover your head, or get to a low ditch if it's safe.
The first day
- Stay in shelter until the warning passes.
- After: watch for broken glass, nails and downed power lines.
- Text family that you're safe. Keep phone lines open for emergencies.
- If you smell gas, leave and call the gas company from a safe distance.
The first week and beyond
- Take photos of damage.
- Wear sturdy shoes and gloves for cleanup.
- Check in on neighbors.
- Help kids talk about what happened.
Get ready now: checklist
Your checks save on this phone.
Common mistakes
- Waiting to see the tornado before taking shelter.
- Opening windows. It doesn't help and wastes time.
- Sheltering under a highway overpass.
- Staying in a mobile home.
Keeping kids calm
- Make the safe spot cozy with a 'tornado bin': shoes, bike helmets, a flashlight, a snack and a small toy.
- Practice with a 'turtle pose' (crouch down, hands over neck).
- Teach the difference between watch and warning.
Gear that helps
- NOAA weather radio: my pick, Midland ER310
- Bike or sports helmets
- Sturdy shoes by the bed
- Whistle: my pick, Fox 40 Classic CMG Pealess Whistle with Lanyard
- Headlamp: my pick, GearLight USB Rechargeable Headlamp, 2 Pack
- Work gloves: my pick, Wells Lamont Heavy Duty Leather Palm Work Gloves with Safety Cuff
- First aid kit: my pick, First Aid Only 298-piece kit
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