Pick a place where family members could gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.

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 Tornado Safety Kit containing:

• First aid kit and essential medications
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
• Bottled water
• Canned food and can opener
• Sturdy shoes and work gloves
• Also include in the kit written instructions on how to turn off your home’s utilities,

Conduct periodic tornado drills, so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching.

Listen to your 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.
• Tornado WATCHES and WARNINGS are issued for specific counties and or cities.

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. Many people say it sounds like a freight train.

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 are 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 (as above).

Watch out for fallen power lines and do not venture into the damaged area.

Listen to the radio for information and instructions.

Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.