Helping Your Community with Tornado Relief

A tornado WATCH means tornadoes are possible in and near your area. Be ready to act fast. A tornado WARNING means Take Action! A tornado is near. There is danger. Move to a safe location right away.

Find a safe room built to withstand high winds such as a basement or cellar. The next best protection is a small, interior room with no windows on the lowest level of a sturdy building. If you’re in a mobile/manufactured home have a plan for a safe shelter to go to in a warning.

• With your entire household, pets included, practice moving quickly to the safe location that you identified.
• If you live in a mobile home, practice going to a safe place.

• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• Plan to monitor local weather and news.
• Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
• In case of a power outage, have a battery-powered radio.
• You may not always receive a tornado warning. Know the signs of a tornado. Take shelter if you feel you are in danger.

Gather food, water, and medicine. Stores and pharmacies might be closed. Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home-Kit.

• Have a supply of medication in a child-proof container, and other needed medical supplies or equipment.
• Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Talk to your doctor and consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.
• Be ready to live without power, gas and water. Utilities may be offline. Plan for your electrical needs with backup power for cell phones and any medical equipment.

Tornado Safety Checklist – English

Tornado Safety Checklist – Spanish

Tune in to radio, TV or other news sources for more information about Tornado Watches and Warnings to be ready to take action.

Seek safe shelter right away and remember to use your arms to protect your head and neck from flying debris.

• Keep listening to radio, TV or other news sources. Stay in your shelter until the tornado warning is over.
• Do not enter damaged buildings.
• If the building you are in has been damaged, exit with extreme care. Look around for things that might fall or dangerous debris. Do not use matches or lighters. If you smell gas or see spills that could be flammable, leave immediately.
• If you are trapped, try to cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
• Watch out for exposed nails and broken glass.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.

• Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants and work gloves to reduce injuries.
• Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
• If power is out, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns to reduce fire risk.
• Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not use gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, basement, garage, tent or camper — or even outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air right away — do not delay.