Here’s what you can do to prepare for such an emergency.
Prepare a Home Tornado Plan
Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
If you are in a high-rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the centre of the building.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
Click here to see what you should pack in your kit.
Conduct periodic tornado drills so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching.
Stay tuned for storm warnings.
Listen to your local radio & TV stations for updated storm information.
Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means: – A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area. – A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately.
When a tornado WATCH is issued:
Listen to the local radio & TV stations for further updates.
Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris of the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.
When a tornado WARNING is issued:
If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects. The tornado may be approaching your area.
If you are outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area if there is no shelter.
If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above). You’ll want to get out of your car because it could be blown through the air or roll over on you.
After the tornado passes:
Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area.
Listen to the radio for information and instructions.
