When a tornado approaches….
- In homes or small buildings. Go to the basement or cellar (if
available) or to an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a closet
or bathroom. Upper floors are unsafe. If there is no time to descend,
go to a closet, a small room with strong walls, or an inside hallway.
Wrap yourself in overcoats or blankets to protect yourself from flying
debris. - In schools, hospitals, factories or shopping
centers. Go to interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor. Stay away
from glass-enclosed places or areas with wide-span roofs such as
auditoriums and warehouses. Crouch and cover your head. Don't take
shelter in halls that open to the south or the west. Centrally located
stairwells are good shelter. - In cars or mobile homes.
Abandon them immediately. If you are in either of those locations,
leave them and go to a substantial structure or designed tornado
shelter. - If no suitable structure is nearby. Lie flat in the
nearest ditch or depression and use your hands to cover your head. Be
alert for flash floods. - During a tornado. Absolutely avoid
buildings with large, free-span roofs. Stay away from west and south
walls. Remember: lowest level, smallest room, center part.
