Tornado safety and recovery
In a tornado warning, go right away to a safe room, storm shelter, basement, or a small interior windowless room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, and cover your head and neck.
A tornado watch means conditions are right for tornadoes; a tornado warning means one is happening or about to, so take shelter now. Ready.gov says tornadoes can bring winds over 200 mph and can happen anytime and anywhere, with the Midwest and Southeast at greater risk.
During: stay safe
- Go immediately to your safe place: a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter if you have one, otherwise a small, interior, windowless room or basement on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls, and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Put blankets or furniture around or on top of you.
- Go to a public shelter if you can't stay at home.
- In a car there is no safe option, only less dangerous ones. If you're caught by flying debris, park out of traffic lanes, stay buckled in, and keep your head below the windows. Don't shelter under bridges.
Source: (Ready.gov: Tornadoes)
After: recover
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, the Emergency Alert System and local officials for updates.
- Stay clear of fallen power lines and broken utility lines.
- Text instead of calling so lines stay open for emergencies.
- Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants and work gloves for cleanup.
- Photograph all damage before you clean up or make repairs, then contact your insurer.
Official sources
- NWS tornado safetyWatches, warnings and safe shelter · NWS
- Storm Prediction Center outlooksToday's severe weather risk · NOAA
- Ready.gov: TornadoesBefore, during and after · Ready.gov
Get help
- Find shelterOpen shelters and hotel help
- Tarps & roof helpTarps, roof help and volunteer crews
- Power outagesOutage maps and generator safety
- FEMA & money helpAid, loans and free legal help
- Mental health & familySomeone to talk to, finding family
- Safety firstGas, power lines, CO, floodwater
- After the storm: housing, mental health, money
- Insurance photo checklist
Live alerts for your area: pick your state · Current weather events
Common questions
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
A watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes, so stay alert and be ready to move. A warning means a tornado is happening or imminent in your area, so take shelter right away.
Where is the safest place in a tornado?
Ready.gov says the best protection is a FEMA safe room or an ICC 500 storm shelter. The next best is a small, interior, windowless room or basement on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
Is it safe to shelter under a highway overpass?
No. Ready.gov says to avoid sheltering under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards and offer little protection from flying debris.