Severe Weather
	Heat	Storm	Tornado

Prepare a Home Tornado Plan

• Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. Go to a basement or, if these is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor
• If you are in a high rise building, you may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building

Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing-

• First-aid kit and essential medications
• Battery-powered NOAA weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
• Canned food and can opener
• Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least three days)
• Sturdy shoes and work gloves
• Written instructions on how to turn off your home’s utilities

Conduct periodic tornado drills

Stay tuned for storm warnings

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.
• Know what a tornado WATCH and WARNING means-
• A tornado WATCH means a tornado is possible in your area
• A tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed for your area. Go to safety immediately

When a tornado WATCH is issued…

• Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you.

When a tornado WARNING is issued…

• If you are inside, go to the safe place you picked to protect yourself from glass and other flying objects The tornado may be approaching your area
• If you outside, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area
• If you are in a car or mobile home, get out immediately and head for safety

After the tornado passes…

• Watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area
• Listen to the radio for information and instructions
• Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage
• Do not use candles

For more information on severe weather safety, please contact your local Red Cross chapter.