Tornadoes

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Tornado Watch

A tornado watch (forecast) means that tornadoes may occur in or near your area.

Tornado Warning

A tornado warning means that a tornado has actually been sighted or that Doppler radar indicates a thunderstorm circulation that could spawn a tornado--TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!

Safety Actions

Set the alarm switch on a weather radio.
Listen to local radio, television, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for information and advice.
Keep watching the sky, especially to the south and southwest, and if you see any revolving, funnel-shaped clouds, report them by telephone immediatly to your local lpolice department, sheriff's office, or Weather Service office, but do not use the telephone to get information or advice--depend on radio or television.
Know where to access a safe shelter.
If a tornado warning is issued for your area, TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY! The warning means that a tornado has actually been sighted, or has been indicated by radar, and may strike your vicinity.
Take action to protect yourself from being blown away, struck by falling objects, or injured by flying debris.
Your best protection is an underground shelter or cave or a substantial steel-framed or reinforced concrete building.

If You Are at Home

Go to an underground storm cellar if you have one.
If you don't have an underground storm cellar, go to a corner of your home basement and take cover under a sturdy workbench or table (but not underneath heavy appliances on the floor above!).
If your home has no basement, take cover in the center part of the house, on the lowest floor, in a small room such as a closet or bathroom, or under sturdy furniture.
Stay away from windows to avoid flying debris.
Do not remain in a trailer or mobile home if a tornado is approaching; take cover elsewhere in a nearby shelter or lie flat in the nearest depression or ditch.

If You Are at Work or a High-Rise Building

Go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, or to the designated shelter area.

If You Are at School

Follow the instructions of school authorities, which usually involve taking shelter in interior hallways on the lowest floor.
Stay out of structures with wide, free-span roofs, such as auditoriums and gymnasiums.

If You Are Outside in Open Country

Take cover and lie flat in the nearest depression, such as a ditch, culvert, excavation, or ravine, and cover your head with your arms.

If You Are in a Vehicle

Do NOT get under an overpass or bridge.
Get out of your car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building, ditch, or low-lying area away from the vehicle.

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