Tornado Disaster Preparedness
While rare, it is not unheard of to have tornadoes threatening our region. The Pacific Northwest can see one to three tornadoes, on average, each year.
Before a tornado
- Prepare an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television newscasts.
- Heed instructions given by local emergency management officials.
- Be alert to changing weather conditions and watch for approaching storms.
Danger signs include:
- Dark, often greenish sky
- Large hail
- A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
- Loud roar, similar to a freight train
- If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately
If you are inside during a tornado
- Go to a windowless interior room on the lowest level of the building, preferably a basement or storm cellar. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
- Get away from the windows.
- Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.
- Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench, table or desk and hold on to it.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
- If you are in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere.
If you are outside during a tornado
- If possible, get inside a building.
- If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a low-lying area or crouch near a strong building.
- Watch for flood waters which may fill ditches and other low-lying areas.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck from flying debris.
If you are in a car during a tornado:
- Never try to drive faster than a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air.
- When it is safe to pull over, get out of your car as soon as possible and take shelter in a nearby building.
- If there are no buildings nearby, get out of your car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding and watch for flying debris.