BEFORE

Know the terms used to describe tornado threats:

Tornado Watch -- Tornadoes are possible. Watch the sky and listen to radio or television for more information. Be prepared to take shelter. If you see any revolving funnel-shaped clouds, report them immediately by telephone to your local law enforcement agency. If you live in a mobile home, this is the time to move to a more substantial structure.

Tornado Warning -- A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter, turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the "all clear" announcement by authorities.

1. Refer to the preparedness steps as outlined under Thunderstorms plus the following:

2. Determine the best location in your home and office to seek shelter when threatened by a tornado. A basement or cellar will usually afford the best protection. If an underground shelter is not available, identify an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor.

3. Conduct periodic tornado safety drills with your family.

4. Learn how to shut off the utilities to your home.

5. Decide how and when your family will reunite.

DURING

When a warning has been issued by the National Weather Service, sirens have been activated, or a tornado has been sighted take the following actions.

AT HOME

1. Go at once to your predetermined shelter (the basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building. Stay there until the danger has passed.

2. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.

3. Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.

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

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

6. Use sofa cushions to protect head and neck.

7. If in a mobile home, get out and seek shelter elsewhere. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. If there isn't a substantial shelter nearby, seek shelter in a low-lying area. Shield your head with your hands.

In A School, Nursing Home, Hospital, Factory, Shopping Center, Or At Work

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

2. Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums, and large hallways. Stay away from windows and open spaces.

3. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it. If sturdy furniture is not available become a very small target. Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.

4. If in a high-rise building, go to small, interior rooms or hallways on the lowest floor possible and seek protection as detailed above.

OUTDOORS

1. If possible, get inside a substantial building.

2. If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch, culvert, or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Use arms to protect head and neck. Stay aware of the potential for flash flooding.

IN A VEHICLE

1. Never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. Heavy rain, hail, and traffic may impede your movement. Tornadoes can change directions quickly and can easily lift up a vehicle and toss it through the air.

2. Get out of the vehicle immediately and try to take shelter in a nearby building.

3. If there isn't time to get indoors, get out of the vehicle and lie in a ditch, culvert, or low-lying area away from the vehicle.

AFTER

1. Monitor the radio or television for emergency information or instructions.

2. Check for injured victims. Render first aid if necessary.

3. Do not attempt to move severely injured victims unless absolutely necessary. Wait for emergency medical assistance to arrive.

4. Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

5. Try to get out of damaged buildings. Once out, do not reenter unless absolutely necessary. Use great caution.

6. Take photos or videotape the damage to your home or property.

7. If driving, be alert for hazards in the roadway.

8. Check on neighbors/relatives who may require special assistance.

9. If unaffected by the tornado, stay out of the damaged area until allowed by officials, your presence may hamper emergency operations.