Tornado Safety in a High-Rise Building

Sheltering from a tornado in a high-rise building presents unique challenges. Windows on every floor, elevator inaccessibility, and structural considerations all matter. Here's the specific safety guidance for tornadoes in tall buildings.

Universal Principle for High-Rises

Get to the lowest level possible, in an interior room, away from windows.

Best Locations in a High-Rise

Central Stairwell

Stairwells are the safest option:

Structurally strong (fire code requirement)
Interior location, no windows
Can access lower floors
Community sheltering area

Interior Corridors

Interior hallways provide good shelter:

Away from windows
Interior structure
Sturdier than perimeter rooms
Fire-rated construction typically

Interior Bathrooms

Small interior bathrooms:

Small span structure
Sturdy plumbing
Away from windows
Fire-rated walls

Lowest Floor

Get down as far as possible:

Ground floor safer than 40th floor
Basement if available
Lobby area (interior corridors)
Use stairs, NOT elevators

NEVER Use Elevators

Why Not

Elevators are dangerous during tornadoes:

May lose power
Could be trapped between floors
Elevator shafts are vulnerable
Building damage may prevent movement
Emergency evacuation post-tornado difficult

Use Stairs

Even if you're on the 40th floor:

Take stairs down
Even partial descent helps
Get below middle floors ideally
Bring flashlight for stairwell darkness

What to Avoid

Windows

Windows are dangerous:

Can shatter from pressure
Debris strikes
Flying glass
Air pressure differentials

Corner Offices

Corner offices with lots of glass are dangerous.

Open Atriums

Large open interior spaces amplify wind. Get to smaller rooms.

Rooftops

NEVER go to roof. Even to observe.

Balconies and Terraces

Extremely dangerous.

Timing Considerations

During Warning

10-15 minutes typical warning:

Move to shelter location
Alert others
Notify family/friends
Gather emergency items

Warning to Impact

Reduce to minimum time:

Get to interior area
Cover heads
Wait for tornado to pass
Don't peek out to observe

High-Rise-Specific Preparation

Know Your Building

Before tornado season:

Learn shelter location
Practice stair descent
Know evacuation route
Meet with building management
Ask about tornado protocols

Building Management

Coordinate with:

Property management
Security
Fire safety personnel
Neighboring tenants

Notable High-Rise Tornadoes

1970 Lubbock Tornado

F5 damaged 20-story Great Plains Life Building. Structure withstood but glass shattered throughout upper floors.

2011 Joplin - Hospital

St. John's Regional Medical Center - multiple floors damaged. Staff sheltered in interior corridors.

2020 Nashville Downtown

Multiple downtown buildings damaged. Interior sheltering saved lives.

Various Office Tower Events

Interior sheltering has been demonstrated effective across multiple events.

Structural Considerations

Modern High-Rises

Steel-frame construction is:

Very strong overall
Windows vulnerable
Interior structure protective
Foundation rarely damaged

Older Buildings

Older masonry buildings:

May have less wind resistance
Windows more vulnerable
Same shelter principles apply

Post-Tornado Response

Wait for All-Clear

Don't emerge immediately:

Multiple tornadoes possible
Wait for weather clearance
Listen to weather radio
Follow building management

Structural Assessment

Building may be structurally damaged:

Don't force damaged doors
Watch for structural distress
Report damage to management
Evacuate if unsafe

Safe Descent

Descend safely:

Use stairs (elevators may be damaged)
Watch for debris
Group evacuation preferred
Assist elderly and disabled

Employee/Employer Considerations

Employer Responsibility

Employers should have:

Written tornado plan
Regular drills
Communication system
Special accommodations for disabled

Employee Rights

Employees have right to:

Take shelter during warnings
Safe workplace
Emergency procedures
Training

Special High-Rise Situations

Residential High-Rises

Same principles apply:

Interior room shelter
Away from windows
Community shelter areas
HOA/management coordination

Hotels

Hotel-specific:

Interior corridors safer than rooms
Central stairwells
Ground floor lobbies
Coordinate with hotel staff

Hospitals

Hospital patients need special care:

Interior corridors
Away from windows
Bed transport if possible
Medical equipment considerations

Bottom Line

In a high-rise building, get to the lowest floor possible via stairs (never elevators), then move to an interior corridor or stairwell away from windows. Cover your head. Wait for all-clear before emerging. Post-tornado, use stairs to evacuate safely. Modern high-rise buildings are structurally sound, but windows and unstable debris are the main threats.

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