Tornadoes | Ready.gov

Prepare for Tornadoes

Stay Safe During

Stay Safe After

Associated Content

If you are a disaster survivor, please visit FEMA.gov for up-to-date information on current disaster declarations. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application, you can call (800) 621-3362, visit disasterassistance.gov or use the FEMA mobile app.

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris.

A tornado can:

Happen anytime and anywhere.
Bring intense winds, over 200 miles per hour.
Look like funnels.

If you are under a tornado or severe weather warning:

Go to NOAA Weather Radio and your local news or official social media accounts for updated emergency information. Follow the instructions of state, local and tribal officials.
Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
If you can’t stay at home, make plans to go to a public shelter.

Preparing for a Tornado

Illustration of a tornado funnel moving away after damaging a house.

Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar like a freight train.
Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
Identify and practice going to a safe shelter such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room or basement on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
Plan for your pet. They are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan.
Prepare for long-term stay at home or sheltering in place by gathering emergency supplies, cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, water, medical supplies and medication.

Staying Safe During a Tornado

Immediately go to a safe location that you have identified.
Pay attention to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
Protect yourself by covering your head or neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around or on top of you.
In a car or truck: There is no safe option when caught in a tornado in a car, just slightly less-dangerous ones.
- If the tornado is visible, far away, and the traffic is light, you may be able to drive out of its path by moving at right angles to the tornado.
- If you are caught by extreme winds or flying debris, park the car as quickly and safely as possible -- out of the traffic lanes.
- Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat, or other cushion if possible.
- If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands.
- Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris.

Staying Safe After a Tornado

Save your phone calls for emergencies and use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.

Pay attention to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information.
Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
Contact your healthcare provider if you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and continue to shelter in place.
Wear appropriate gear during clean-up such as thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves, use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.