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.

Wall clouds—dark, low-to-the-ground clouds beneath the main storm clouds—can lead to a tornado quickly, particularly if they begin to tighten, speed up, or rotate. Don’t stay around to watch! If the weather suddenly becomes unnaturally still, it could be because the tornado is sucking the bad weather in—this is the “calm before the storm.” Also, look out for shifting/disorganized wind patterns, flying debris, abrupt temperature drops, large hail, and curved or circular rain bands that could be hiding ominous wind patterns.

Strategic Sheltering

In the absence of a dedicated tornado shelter or safe room, or in a situation in which it is not reachable, it is important to move to an interior room on the lowest level of the building (a basement or storm cellar is ideal), away from windows and flying glass. Close all windows and doors, including interior doors, to put as many barriers as possible between the storm and people and pets.

Avoid sheltering where there are heavy objects that could fly around the room or fall from overhead, such as bookcases that could fall over. In fact, secure all top-heavy furniture, appliances, and water heaters well ahead of time with earthquake straps, and learn the location of utility cut-off switches. Turn them off if there’s time before an incoming storm.

Protect your head and neck with arms, a pillow, folded towels or blankets, or a large book. Got a bicycle helmet? Put it on. Sheltering under a sturdy table or workbench is another option.

Storm shelters are not as unattainable as you might think: Smaller systems start at about $4,000 and up for prefab, while DIY kits are available for less then $3,000. There are plenty of plans online.

Work the Plan

Whether you have a small family or a large business, practice tornado drills so that everyone knows how to reach the designated shelter area quickly. This is doubly important if there are young children involved. Assign tasks (to be completed only if there is time) such as turning off water/gas/electric connections, closing windows and doors, and grabbing the emergency kit, baby’s diaper bag, or other essentials. Include pets in the drills. Don’t forget to set up a plan for communicating with family, friends, and coworkers. For example, texts often go through when phone calls don’t.

The Essentials

The basics of a tornado emergency kit are water, non-perishable food, spare prescription and OTC medications, a first aid kit, an NOAA weather radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, a portable phone charger, a multi-tool, a whistle for signaling, and cash.

Also, add copies of important insurance papers and other documents in a waterproof bag. Putting it all in a backpack makes it easily portable. Consider adding some disposable gloves and a local map. If there’s space in the designated shelter area, store a spare pair of walking shoes, warm clothing, and rain gear. Plan for additional kits dedicated to children’s needs (formula, diapers) and pets (food, medications). Add toys to entertain kids, if there’s space.

Wind Guard

Trim back any trees that will become a threat in high winds, and take in patio furniture during the height of tornado season. It’s cheap insurance.

Next, take a page out of the Miami builder’s playbook and add some hurricane straps, clips, and truss reinforcements. They’re tedious but DIY-friendly. At the next re-roof, go with high-velocity, impact-resistant shingles or a metal roof.

Windows and doors are another weak spot. Opt for shatter-resistant impact glass or storm shutters (roll-up or accordion styles can be closed in minutes). Garage doors should also be impact-resistant, or you can purchase and install a reinforcement kit.

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Driver’s Ed

Being on the road as a tornado approaches can be terrifying. Take a deep breath and do not try to outrun the storm.

Split-Second Decision

If the tornado is still far away and moving slowly and the roads are clear, it may be possible to turn at a right angle and drive out of its path. However, as it can rapidly change direction, driving to the nearest store, restaurant, truck stop, or other building is probably still the safer option.

Wide Open Spaces

No buildings? Exit the vehicle and move to a low-lying area, such as the ditch at the side of the road. Lie down flat and protect your head and neck with your hands and arms. Stay away from bridges and overpasses, as wind speeds can increase dangerously in these areas.

Last Resort

If there is no choice but to remain in a vehicle, quickly move to an area away from trees and other hazards. Park, but leave the vehicle running so the airbags remain active. Fasten the seatbelt, hunker down below window level, and cover your head, neck, and hands with a blanket or jacket.