Being caught in a tornado is one of the scariest things that nature can throw at you. The force of the winds can cause terrible damage and the destruction that follows a tornado can be heartbreaking. Tornado warning systems have improved greatly over the years, but there still isn’t much warning in some cases. If you were to receive a warning that there is a risk for tornadoes in the area where you live, what should you do?

Your first step should be to assess how much time you have. If the warning is given well in advance, you might have time to get to a safer location if you live in a home that is not as stable as you would like.

If you are not able to leave your home, you should find a safe area where you can shelter.  Ideally, you should find shelter in a basement, but under a stair or in an interior room, possibly your bathroom can also offer safety. Try to protect your body from debris by covering yourself with a mattress or large pillows.