How to Survive a Tornado

Universal Principles

Regardless of location:

• Get away from windows - flying glass is a major injury cause
• Get to the lowest level - tornado forces concentrate at higher elevations
• Get to interior spaces - central rooms have most walls between you and outside
• Cover your head - head trauma from debris is the leading cause of tornado death
• Get to the smallest room possible - smaller spans structurally stronger
• Stay away from doors that could fly open

At Home - With Basement

Best Location

Under stairwell, under sturdy workbench, or in central corner of basement. Away from windows and exterior walls.

Setup

• Have solid shoes and gloves ready
• Cover with mattresses, sleeping bags, or heavy blankets
• Hard hats or bicycle helmets for head protection
• NOAA weather radio
• Flashlight and phone
• Small first aid kit

Basement Position

Center of basement, under sturdy structure. Not near windows or under a garage.

At Home - No Basement

Best Location

Small interior room on lowest floor - bathroom, closet, or hallway. Away from all external walls.

Bathroom Strategy

Interior bathroom often best. Bathtub can provide additional protection. Cover with mattress or blankets. Small span (bathroom ceiling short) helps structural integrity.

Interior Closet

Central closet on lowest floor. Away from external walls. Under stairs works well.

Hallway

Interior hallway on lowest floor. Away from doors. Get low.

Mobile Home

Universal Rule: LEAVE

Mobile homes are extremely dangerous during tornadoes. EF0 tornadoes can destroy them.

Community Shelter

Every mobile home community should have community shelter. Know location. Practice getting there.

Nearby Sturdy Building

Neighbors' homes, church, business, school. Substantial structure.

Personal Storm Shelter

FEMA-certified shelter installed near mobile home. Best long-term solution.

Ditch as Last Resort

If tornado imminent and no shelter available: get to lowest area, lie flat, cover head.

Detailed mobile home safety →

In a Car

If Time Allows

Drive to sturdy shelter - restaurant, gas station, church. Get out of car and go inside.

If Tornado is Imminent

Option 1: Stay in Car

If NOT in path of tornado:

• Buckle up
• Get below window level
• Cover head with hands
• Cover with cushions or clothing if available

Option 2: Exit Car

If tornado is close:

• Exit car (don't stay)
• Get to ditch or low area
• Lie flat, face down
• Cover head with hands
• Get lower than road grade if possible

NEVER: Overpass

Overpasses are NOT tornado shelter. Wind actually accelerates under them. Multiple deaths have occurred.

Detailed car safety →

At School

Follow School Drill

Follow the drill you practiced. Different schools have different plans.

Interior Hallway

Get to interior hallway. Sit facing wall. Cover head.

Basement or Ground Floor

Get to lowest floor.

Position

Duck-and-cover position. Face away from windows. Hands over back of neck.

Detailed school safety →

At Work

Interior Location

Bathroom, break room, interior corridor. Get away from windows.

Warehouse/Large Building

Large open buildings are dangerous. Interior offices or bathrooms better than large open areas.

Stairwell

Interior stairwell can be excellent shelter - structurally strong.

Get Low

Duck and cover position regardless of location.

Detailed work safety →

In an Apartment

Lowest Floor Possible

Get to lowest floor of building. If your unit isn't on lowest floor, go to lower unit.

Interior Location

Bathroom, hallway, closet. Away from windows and exterior walls.

Community Shelter

Some apartment complexes have community shelters. Know location.

Detailed apartment safety →

In a Store or Restaurant

Interior Bathroom

Interior bathroom is often best. Small, sturdy structure.

Interior Corridors

Away from windows. Under sturdy structures.

Freezer or Cooler

Walk-in freezers/coolers are extremely sturdy structures - excellent shelter.

Away from Large Open Areas

Sales floors with large open spans are dangerous. Get away from them.

At a Concert/Event

Follow Venue Instructions

Venues have emergency procedures. Follow instructions.

Interior Rooms

Get inside if outdoor venue. Interior rooms of buildings are safer.

Under Sturdy Structure

If shelter unavailable, get under sturdy structure. Avoid crowds crushing into small spaces.

Outdoors - No Shelter

Get Away from Trees

Trees blown down cause many outdoor deaths.

Away from Vehicles

Cars can be lifted.

Away from Buildings

Building debris flies.

Lie Flat in Depression

Ditch, creek bed, culvert, or ravine. Lie face down. Cover head.

Away from Overhead Objects

Power lines, signs, trees, buildings can fall on you.

Detailed outdoor safety →

During Warning Time (10-15 minutes)

Minute 1-2: Alert Family

Wake sleeping family. Notify all household members.

Minute 3-5: Grab Essentials

NOAA radio, flashlight, phone charger, medications, sturdy shoes. Get to shelter.

Minute 5-7: Get Positioned

All family in shelter. Blankets/mattresses covering. Hard hats on.

Minute 7+: Wait

Listen to radio. Wait for all-clear. Don't emerge too early.

After the Tornado

Wait for All-Clear

Multiple tornadoes possible. Don't emerge based on lull.

Check for Injuries

Assess family. Call 911 if needed.

Avoid Damaged Structures

Buildings can collapse. Stay away.

Avoid Downed Wires

Treat all wires as live and dangerous.

Document Damage

Photos for insurance if safe to do so.

Detailed post-tornado guide →

The Truth About Survival

Modern tornado warning systems combined with proper sheltering result in high survival rates. Most tornado deaths result from either:

• No warning received (rare)
• Not sheltering (didn't take warning seriously)
• Inadequate shelter (mobile home, vehicle, insufficient interior room)
• Being caught in violent tornado where even good shelter can fail

Good preparation and prompt response to warnings save lives.

Bottom Line

Survival depends on where you are when the tornado warning is issued. Every location has best-practice sheltering. Know your options. Practice getting to shelter. Have supplies ready. Respond immediately to warnings. Most tornado deaths are preventable with proper preparation.