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Storms & Disasters Life-saving
Tornado Safety
Tornadoes form fast and can level a house in seconds. Get to the lowest, most interior space and protect your head.
What to do
- 1Go to a basement or storm cellar; if none, the lowest interior room (closet, bathroom) with no windows.
- 2Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
- 3Crouch low, face down, and cover your head and neck with your arms; pull a mattress or blankets over you.
- 4If outdoors with no shelter, lie flat in a low ditch and cover your head — do NOT shelter under an overpass.
- 5Stay put until the storm clearly passes; tornadoes can come in waves.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Opening windows to 'equalize pressure' (a myth — it wastes time)
- Sheltering in a mobile home (leave for a sturdy building)
- Trying to outrun a tornado in traffic
Good to know
- A bike or batting helmet for every family member dramatically cuts head-injury risk.
- Know the difference: a Watch means conditions are possible; a Warning means take cover NOW.
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