Dos, don'ts when tornado approaches

Associated Press

Last update: May 12, 2008 - 4:33 PM

You're in your house, your car, maybe your mobile home, and you've just heard a tornado warning announced for your area. What should you do now? Just as importantly, what shouldn't you do? Here are some do's and don'ts:

DOS:

—If you are already inside a structure, go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or the lowest building level. Avoid areas near windows.

—Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio, regular radio or television for tornado updates. (Battery-powered devices are best, in case the electricity goes out.)

—Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down. Cover the back of your head with your hands.

—If you're in a mobile home, get out, even if it's tied down. You're probably safer outside, even if that means seeking shelter out in the open.

—If you're outside with no shelter, lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

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DON'Ts:

—Don't use your car as shelter.

—Don't open the windows in your home. You may be exposed to flying glass if you're opening windows when the twister hits.

—Don't use elevators. You could get trapped if the power is lost.

—Don't go to the southwest corner of your shelter — most tornadoes approach from the southwest.

—Don't park under an overpass. It may seem like good shelter, but it can actually be more dangerous than open ground. A wind-tunnel effect can cause higher wind speeds, driving debris toward you and even propelling you out from under the overpass.

—Don't light candles, even after the storm has passed. Ruptured gas lines can create a fire hazard so it's better to use flashlights.

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Sources: Storm Prediction Center, Federal Emergency Management Agency, The Tornado Project, Nationwide Insurance, American Red Cross