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 or bathroom on the lowest floor.  Keep this place uncluttered.

If you are in a high rise building you may not have time to go the the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit containing--

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
• Canned food and can opener.
• Bottled water.
• Sturdy shoes and work gloves.

Also include in the kit written instructions on how to turn off your home's utilities.

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 and 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 toward your area.   Go to safety immediately.
• Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued by county or parish.

When a tornado WATCH is issued.......

Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.

Be alert to changing weather conditions.  Blowing debris or 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 you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety (as above).

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.

Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.