TORNADOES

Where They Occur:
Most common in "Tornado Alley" (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota) and "Dixie Alley" (Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana), but can occur in all 50 states.

Key Risks:
Extreme winds (up to 300 mph), flying debris, structural collapse, and secondary hazards like gas leaks and downed power lines.

Before Tornado Season:

• Identify your tornado shelter: basement, storm cellar, or interior room on lowest floor with no windows

• Practice tornado drills with your family

• Prepare an emergency kit with helmets or hard hats, sturdy shoes, flashlight, first aid, whistle, and important documents

• Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts (weather radio, phone apps, outdoor sirens)

• Know the difference between a Watch (conditions favorable) and Warning (tornado spotted or indicated on radar)

During a Tornado:

• Seek shelter immediately in your predetermined safe location

• Get as low as possible, preferably underground

• If no basement, go to an interior room on the lowest floor (closet, bathroom, hallway)

• Get under sturdy furniture and protect your head and neck with arms and blankets

• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls

• If in a mobile home, evacuate immediately to a sturdy building or storm shelter

• If caught outside or in a vehicle, do not try to outrun the tornado—get to the lowest area possible and lie flat, covering your head

After a Tornado:

• Check yourself and others for injuries and render first aid

• Use flashlights, not candles (risk of gas leaks)

• Be extremely cautious around damaged buildings

• Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires

• Monitor local news for emergency information

• Photograph damage for insurance claims

Resources:

• NOAA Storm Prediction Center: spc.noaa.gov

• Ready.gov Tornadoes: ready.gov/tornadoes

• Center for Disease Control Tornadoes: cdc.gov/tornadoes