What do I do during a tornado?

Question

I have no idea, seriously. The only thing we had in CA were earthquakes.

Answer 1

I can help you. Know that people in mobile homes and automobiles are in the most danger. Avoid being in those when there is a tornado threat. Have a storm plan in place - everyone in the home, school, or office should know in advance where to go in case of a tornado. You should consider having drills if you live in a place where tornadoes frequently appear. Warnings are often issued on a county basis, so make sure you have a radio and a television set :p

Oh btw, a NOAA weather radio with a warming alarm will always give warnings. Buy one. Have a supply of batteries for flashlights as well as a first-aid kit.

All this planning should pay off when a tornado strikes. Never panic but movie quickly if skies appear threatening. Knowing where the closest tornado shelter is is extremely important. REMEMBER: at night or during heavy rainstorms, waiting to see the funnel before taking action can be a fatal mistake.

Underground shelters are the best. If one is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the LOWEST floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Bathrooms tent to make good shelters too. Bathtub is another good option. STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS AT ALL COSTS.

Flying debris is what you have to watch out for. Never stick out your head and always keep it down and protected. Having a motorcycle helmet around isn't a bad idea as well.

Lastly, do not do what they did in the movie Twister. That is a bad idea that makes no sense at all. They should have been blasted by high-speed debris and would have been killed instantly.

Answer 2

Find all the information you need here:

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety/tornadoguide.html