DURING A TORNADO

If at home:

• Move away from the windows – Flying glass can injure or kill.

• Go to an interior room on the lowest floor, like a closet, hallway, or bathroom with no windows.

• Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.

• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.

• Keep tuned to local radio and TV stations or to a NOAA Weather Radio.

• Cover your body with a blanket or sleeping bag.

• Use your arms to protect head and neck.

If in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere when a tornado warning is issued. If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit.  Put your arms over your head. Don’t take shelter under your home.

If at work or school:

• Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level.

• Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls.

• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.

• Use arms to protect head and neck.

If outdoors:

• If possible, get inside a building.

• If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

• Do not go into a grove of trees or under a vehicle.

• Use arms to protect head and neck.

If in a car:

• Never try to out drive a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air.

• Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.

• If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

• Do not go under a vehicle.

• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

Source of Information:

• www.cdc.gov

• www.fema.gov

• www.mhmraharris.org/
  

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content last updated: June 14, 2006

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Last updated:  August 04, 2008 
Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services
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Houston, TX 77027
Tel: (713) 439-6000
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