Twister Ready: How to Stay Safe in a Tornado

Unpredictable and destructive, twisters can form with little or no warning. With only moments to react, it’s critical to plan ahead. 

Preventative measures and an emergency plan can make the situation a lot safer when a storm starts brewing. JimVallee/Getty Images

It’s important to be informed long before an ominous whirlwind is on the horizon, sirens start sounding, or family or coworkers start rushing around. There are plenty of weather alert apps to choose from, but back that up with an old-school NOAA weather radio with an emergency alert feature, emergency battery backup, and plenty of fresh batteries. Also, a high-beam flashlight, as tornadoes don’t only happen in daylight.

New to the area? Ask about the local warning systems, from sirens to phone alerts. A tornado watch means to get ready and stay alert because conditions are ripe. Watches are usually issued over a large area. A tornado warning means to take action because a storm has been sighted or spotted on weather radar in the local area. Text or call family and friends to make sure that they are aware. The highest level, a tornado emergency, means that a violent and potentially devastating storm has touched down, so seek shelter immediately if you have not done so already.

Mother Nature’s Clues

A red sky at night is historically referred to as a “sailors’ delight” since it normally signals coming good weather, and a red sky in the morning has the caveat “sailors take warning” because of a potential coming storm. In the same way, an eerie greenish tint to the sky can signal a tornado. Teal, turquoise, and murky yellow skies are other potential visual cues. Keep in mind that not every storm comes with this color change.