Prepare Your Child for What to do During a Tornado

Each year, many people are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes and severe thunderstorms despite advance warning. The best way to avoid injury is to be prepared. Hold frequent drills so your child knows what to do in case of severe weather.

When a storm is approaching, listen to the radio or television for weather information.

A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes. If a watch is issued, get your child indoors and continue to monitor the weather. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted or that radar is showing a possible tornado forming in a storm. Take warnings seriously, and respond immediately when a tornado warning is announced.

In case of a tornado follow these steps:

When in a building

• Move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
• If an underground shelter is not available, move to a small interior room or hallway and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
• Stay away from windows.
• If you can, cover yourself up with blankets or a mattress.
• Try to take your radio with you so you can hear where the storm is and if the danger is over.
• Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer very little protection from tornadoes. You should leave a mobile home and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building or storm shelter.

When in a vehicle

• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately for safe shelter.
• Find a solid shelter, such as a well-built building. Park your car off the road so that traffic can get through, and get in the shelter.
• Do not seek shelter under a highway overpass. Most overpasses will not offer adequate protection.
• If no shelter is available, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
• Be aware of flying objects. Debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Reprinted with the permission of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.