Tornadoes and severe storms

What it is

A tornado is a violently spinning column of air reaching from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings in seconds. The same storms can bring large hail, damaging straight-line winds and lightning.

Who is at risk

Tornadoes have struck every US state, but they are most common in the central and southern states, mainly in spring and early summer. People in mobile homes, cars or outdoors are in the most danger.

Get ready now

1. Know the difference: a tornado watch means be prepared; a tornado warning means take shelter now.
2. Choose your safe place: a storm shelter, basement, or a small windowless room on the lowest floor.
3. If you live in a mobile home, find a sturdy building nearby you can get to quickly.
4. Keep your phone's emergency alerts on, and have a battery or hand-crank weather radio.
5. Practice going to your safe place with everyone in your home.
6. Keep sturdy shoes, a flashlight and helmets (such as bike helmets) in your safe place.

When it happens

1. Go to your safe place right away when a warning is issued.
2. Get as low as you can and cover your head and neck with your arms, a mattress or blankets.
3. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.
4. Don't try to outrun a tornado in a car in a city. If caught outside, find the lowest ground and cover your head.
5. During a thunderstorm, go indoors. When thunder roars, go indoors.
6. Stay sheltered until the warning ends.

After

1. Stay out of damaged buildings and away from downed power lines.
2. Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves and gloves when moving through debris.
3. Text instead of calling to keep phone lines free for emergencies.
4. Never use a generator indoors.
5. Photograph damage and contact your insurance company.

Official sources

• Ready.gov: Tornadoes
• National Weather Service: Tornado safety
• CDC: Tornadoes
• American Red Cross: Tornado safety

This guide summarises public advice. Always follow instructions from local officials and emergency services.