The Key to Tornado Safety: Plan Ahead

Remember these two basic rules for when a tornado threatens:

  • Go to the lowest floor possible.
  • Keep as many walls between you and the tornado as possible.

Terms you should know...

Tornado Watch
A Tornado Watch, issued by the National Weather Service, indicates tornadoes and/or severe thunderstorms are possible. Review tornado safety rules. Keep monitoring local weather closely. Those in mobile homes should seek alternative shelter.

Tornado Warning
A Tornado Warning, issued by the National Weather Service, is an urgent message indicating that a tornado has been sighted or detected by radar. Move quickly to a place of safety and take cover.

Outdoor Warning Sirens
Some local communities activate outdoor warning sirens when a tornado or funnel cloud is sighted by local severe weather spotters. When sounded, the sirens indicate that dangerous weather is in the immediate vicinity. Take cover immediately.

Some specific tornado safety guidelines to follow:

In a house or a small building:

  • Go to the basement. If there is no basement, go to an interior room on the lowest floor.
  • Get under something sturdy, such as a staircase or workbench.
  • Cover yourself with a blanket, pillows or cushions to protect yourself from flying glass and debris.
  • Stay away from the windows and outside walls.

In a mobile home or automobile:

  • Get out. Neither is ever safe in a tornado.
  • Seek shelter in a permanent, sturdy structure.
  • If none is available, or ther isn't time, go to a ditch or low-lying area away from the mobile home or vehicle.
  • Lie flat and protect your head with your hands.

In a shopping center, school building, or factory:

  • Go to a pre-designed shelter area, if available.
  • Avoid rooms with large span roofs.
  • Find an interior room, closet, bathroom, or hallway.
  • Crouch down and cover your head with your hands.
  • Stay away from windows.

Ed Kieser Weather Reports -- Weekdays at 5:35, 6:35, 7:35, 8:35, and 9:35 a.m. and 12:35 p.m. (central time) on WILL-AM 580, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.

Talk to Ed -- Ed answers weather questions from listeners, Fridays 7:50 a.m. and 12:40 p.m.