Tornadoes leave little time to make life-or-death decisions.  Your survival may depend on your quick response and advance planning.

v     Prepare a place for members to gather, i.e., basement, hallway, bathroom, closet.

v     Know the difference between a Watch and a Warning.  A Watch means a tornado is possible in your area.  A Warning means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed your way. 

v     If you have a Warning, go to safety immediately.

v     Stay aware of your surroundings.  Look for places you might go if not at home.

v     Listen for the sound of thunder.  If you hear thunder, you may be close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning so go to safe shelter immediately.

Signs of an approaching tornado:

v     If you are out of doors, an oddly greenish or greenish-black cast to the skies.

v     Debris dropping from the sky, or an approaching cloud of debris, such as twigs and leaves, being pulled upward.

v     Unusual quiet and stillness occurring during or immediately after a thunderstorm.

v     The fall of hail in connection with any of the other signs described above.

v     A gradual increasing roaring sound like that of a jet airplane or railroad train.

When a tornado warning is issued:

v     If you are inside, go to the safe place you selected with your family.

v     If you are outside or mobile home, hurry to the basement of a nearby sturdy building, or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.

v     Never attempt to out-drive a tornado.  Tornadoes change direction quickly and unpredictably.

v     Get out of your vehicle immediately.  Vehicles do not provide safe shelter and area easily picked up and thrown.

v     If there is no place to find shelter, get out of your vehicle and lie flat in a ditch or low area as far from your vehicle as possible.

After the tornado passes:

v     Watch for fallen power lines and stay out of damaged areas.

v     Listen to the radio for information and instructions.

v     Use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage.

v     Do not use candles.

v     Check on the elderly and pets.

v     Take pictures of your damaged property for insurance claims

v     Inspect utilities.  If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, evacuate immediately.  If you see sparks or damaged wires, turn off electricity at the fuse box or circuit breaker.