Prepare for a Tornado
The United States averages over 1,200 tornadoes per year, more than any other country on Earth. The 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado killed 158 people and leveled entire neighborhoods in minutes. In December 2021, a swarm of tornadoes tore across six states, with one tornado traveling 165 miles nonstop.
Tornadoes give little warning. FEMA and the National Weather Service stress that having a plan, a designated shelter area, and a ready kit can save your life when you have only minutes to act.
What to do when a tornado strikes
Before: Identify your safe room now, not during the warning. The NWS recommends a basement, storm cellar, or small interior windowless room on the lowest floor (bathroom or closet). Manufactured homes are NOT safe — leave for a sturdy building or storm shelter at the first sign of a tornado watch. Sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts and download the FEMA app for push notifications. Practice your tornado drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including pets.
During: When a tornado warning is issued for your area, move to your safe room immediately. Cover yourself with a mattress, sleeping bag, or thick blanket — most tornado injuries come from flying debris (NWS data). Wear a bicycle or sports helmet if available. Stay there until the all-clear from local authorities, not the first sound of silence. Many tornado outbreaks come in waves.
After: Stay alert for secondary tornadoes, downed power lines, and gas leaks. Do NOT use matches or open flames if you smell gas. Wear sturdy boots and gloves when navigating debris — nail-puncture wounds and tetanus risk are extremely common after tornadoes. Check on neighbors, especially elderly residents who may be trapped. Document damage for insurance before cleaning. Read our home preparation guide for shelter reinforcement options.
Tornado kit essentials
- Helmet for every household member: bicycle, motorcycle, or sports helmets. NWS studies show head injuries are the #1 cause of tornado deaths.
- Sturdy shoes and gloves: kept inside your safe room, not in a closet you have to cross the house to reach.
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio with SAME alerts: S.A.M.E. (Specific Area Message Encoding) lets you receive alerts only for your county.
- Whistle: if you become trapped under debris, a whistle is far more effective than yelling and conserves energy.
- Document pouch in safe room: ID, insurance, medication list, family contact numbers in a waterproof bag, ready to grab.
- 72-hour go-bag: water, snacks, first aid, cash, flashlight, phone charger. See our 72-hour emergency kit guide.