Do

1. Have a tornado plan in place, and practice it at least once a year. 

Don’t

1. Be caught off-guard, and just “wing it.”

Do

2. If in a house with a basement, get in the basement and take shelter under something sturdy, like a heavy table or a workbench, or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. 

Don’t

2.Stand or sit next to a window or something heavy that may fall on you, like a refrigerator, piano or bookcase.

Do

3. If in a house with no basement, a dorm, or an apartment, go to the lowest floor of a small central room (like a bathroom or closet) under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway with no windows. A bathtub only offers partial protection; you should also cover yourself with something padded, like a mattress or blankets.

Do

4. Crouch as close as possible to the floor, and cover your head with your hands.

Do

5. If in a office building, hospital, skyscraper or other tall building, go to an enclosed room with no windows at the center of the building on the lowest floor. 

Don’t

3. Use the elevator during a tornado. If power is lost, you may become trapped. 

Do

6. If in a mobile home, evacuate immediately. If your community has a tornado shelter, go there. If not, find a sturdy permanent building. As a last resort, go to an open area outside and lay face-down, protecting your head with your arms. 

Don’t

4. Stay in an unstable building. 

Do

7. If in a car or truck, get out of your car and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If you are not near a sturdy building, run to low ground away from cars, and lay face-down, protecting your head with your arms. 

Don’t 

5. Seek shelter under bridges. They offer little protection from flying debris. 

Do

8. Keep your family together after the tornado. Stay away from power lines, broken glass, nails, and other dangerous objects. Remain calm as you wait for more information and instructions from emergency crews or local officials.