Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, VA 23236
Contact: Janet Clements (804) 897-6510
Tornado Safety - Go Low and
Get Low
RICHMOND, VA -- The Emergency Broadcast System is screaming its alert
on your radio, followed by the message that a tornado has been spotted
in your area. What do you do?
If you said seek shelter in a basement or a windowless, interior room
on the lowest floor of your house, you made the right choice. But suppose
you live in a mobile home? Or what if you're in your car, in a shopping
mall, at school or outside? Would you still know what to do?
"One rule of thumb for tornado safety is 'Go Low and Get Low',"
explains Bill Sammler, National Weather Service warning coordination
meteorologist. "Go to the lowest level of the structure you're
in, crouch in a low position and protect your head."
Sammler points out that this approach applies even if you aren't in
a building or can't get to one. "If you are in a mobile home, a
car, or are outside, all are dangerous places to be during a tornado.
Try to get to a sturdy building for shelter. If you can't get to a safe
building, lie flat in a low area with your hands covering the back of
your head and neck."
Spring and summer bring an increased threat of tornadoes in Virginia,
so it's important to keep an eye on the sky and pay close attention
to weather advisories. Tornadoes are always born out of severe thunderstorms
and can occur in any part of Virginia, including the mountainous areas
of the state. It is vital to know and understand tornado warnings and
to be prepared to take quick action to protect you and your loved ones.
To alert the public of tornadoes, the National Weather Service issues
tornado watches and warnings. A tornado WATCH means that weather conditions
are favorable for the development of tornadoes. If a tornado WATCH is
broadcast, stay tuned for further advisories and be prepared to take
cover.
If a tornado WARNING is issued, it means a tornado has actually been
sighted. WARNINGS are issued for individual counties and include the
tornado's location and its direction and speed. If you are in or near
its path, take cover immediately.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Services offers the following
tornado safety tips. Knowing simple safety rules and taking immediate
action can save your life.
TORNADO SAFETY TIPS
The best shelter from a tornado is a basement. If you don't have a basement,
go to an inside room without windows on the lowest level of the house
(a closet, bathroom or interior hall). Protect your body with a heavy
blanket or sleeping bag.
Avoid windows. Opening windows to equalize pressure is ineffective
in reducing damage during a tornado. Don't worry about the windows;
worry about finding shelter and protecting yourself.
Mobile homes are extremely unsafe during tornadoes. Seek shelter elsewhere.
If you are caught in an open building like a shopping mall, gymnasium
or civic center, get into the restroom, if possible. In larger buildings,
restrooms are usually made of concrete block and will offer more protection.
If there is no time to go anywhere else, seek shelter right where you
are. Try to get up against something that will support or deflect falling
debris. Protect your head with your hands and arms.
If you are outside when a tornado strikes, try to find shelter immediately
in the nearest substantial building. If no buildings are close, take
cover by lying flat in a ditch or depression.
If you are in your car, get out of your vehicle and try to find shelter.
An underpass of a bridge, a culvert or ditch all can provide shelter
if a substantial building is not nearby.