DID YOU KNOW?
The highest recorded tornado wind speed was 302 mph, clocked during the 1999 Bridge Creek-Moore tornado in Oklahoma. [3]
STAY INFORMED
- Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. [2]
- They can destroy buildings, flip vehicles, uproot trees, and turn debris into deadly projectiles.
- Each year in the U.S., tornadoes injure around 1,500 people and kill approximately 80. [2]
- Knowing how and where to shelter during a tornado can save your life.
HELPFUL TIPS
1. Shelter Below Ground If Possible
- During a tornado warning, seek shelter in a basement or underground storm shelter. If unavailable, choose a small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor. [2]
2. Protect Yourself From Flying Debris
- Cover your body with thick blankets, pillows, mattresses, or a helmet to protect against impact. [2]
3. Avoid Open Spaces and Large Roofs
- Stay away from gymnasiums, auditoriums, or other wide-span roof areas that can easily collapse. [2]
4. Consider a Storm Shelter If You Live in a Mobile Home
- Mobile homes are extremely vulnerable during tornadoes. Have a pre-arranged shelter plan if you live in one.
SEVERE WEATHER REMINDER
Tornadoes can form rapidly and destroy everything in their path. Don’t wait until the sirens sound — plan ahead, know your shelter location, and take every warning seriously.