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Tornadoes appear suddenly and strike randomly.

The U.S. has the highest incidence of tornadoes worldwide, with about 1,000 occurring every year. Tornadoes can come one at a time or in a cluster. They can vary greatly in length, width, direction of travel, and speed. They can leave a path from 50 yards to a mile wide. They may touch down for a matter of seconds, or remain in contact with the ground for over an hour.

Your best defense is to be alert during times of severe weather. Tune to the Weather Channel or your local TV or radio station for storm updates.

There are two key alerts for tornado conditions:
1. Tornado Watch - Conditions are right for tornadoes to form.
2. Tornado Warning - A tornado has actually been sighted by
spotters or on radar and is happening or about to happen.

Tornado Watch - Keep an eye on the sky. Tune to the Weather Channel or your local TV or radio station for storm updates. Know where you would go if a Tornado Warning was issued.

Tornado Warning - What to do: Seek shelter in the lowest level of your home. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway, a smaller inner room, or a closet. Keep away from all windows. Make sure a battery-powered radio is nearby for storm updates. Put your pet on a leash or in a carrier.

If you are in a mobile home or vehicle leave it immediately and take shelter in a strong structure, or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Avoid large-span roof areas such as school gymnasiums, or shopping malls.

Prepare Before - Have a Home/Work Tornado Plan, pick a "meeting place" to go to, the basement or center hallway area. Have a Family Disaster Supplies Kit** in an easy-to-grab box or backpack with: First aid kit and essential medications; Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries; Ready to eat packaged or canned food (a can opener); Bottled water for each person; Sturdy shoes and work gloves.

After The Tornado Passes - Watch out for fallen power lines, stay out of damaged areas and listen to the radio for information and instructions. Check for gas leaks and know how to turn off your gas meter if needed. You will need a professional to turn it back on to avoid an explosion.

** See the "Preparedness Information " page for more details.


		Can Save Your Life
Knowing What To Do
	Tornadoes appear suddenly and strike randomly. The U.S. has the highest incidence of tornadoes worldwide, with about 1,000 occurring every year. Tornadoes can come one at a time or in a cluster. They can vary greatly in length, width, direction of travel, and speed. They can leave a path from 50 yards to a mile wide. They may touch down for a matter of seconds, or remain in contact with the ground for over an hour. Your best defense is to be alert during times of severe weather. Tune to the Weather Channel or your local TV or radio station for storm updates. There are two key alerts for tornado conditions: 1. Tornado Watch - Conditions are right for tornadoes to form. 2. Tornado Warning - A tornado has actually been sighted by spotters or on radar and is happening or about to happen. Tornado Watch - Keep an eye on the sky. Tune to the Weather Channel or your local TV or radio station for storm updates. Know where you would go if a Tornado Warning was issued. Tornado Warning - What to do: Seek shelter in the lowest level of your home. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway, a smaller inner room, or a closet. Keep away from all windows. Make sure a battery-powered radio is nearby for storm updates. Put your pet on a leash or in a carrier. If you are in a mobile home or vehicle leave it immediately and take shelter in a strong structure, or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Avoid large-span roof areas such as school gymnasiums, or shopping malls. Prepare Before - Have a Home/Work Tornado Plan, pick a *"meeting place"* to go to, the basement or center hallway area. Have a Family Disaster Supplies Kit in an easy-to-grab box or backpack with: First aid kit and essential medications; Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries; Ready to eat packaged or canned food (a can opener); Bottled water for each person; Sturdy shoes and work gloves. After The Tornado Passes - Watch out for fallen power lines, stay out of damaged areas and listen to the radio for information and instructions. Check for gas leaks and know how to turn off your gas meter if needed. You will need a professional to turn it back on to avoid an explosion. See the "Preparedness Information " page for more details.