• Unpredictable Paths: Tornadoes can change direction suddenly or spawn multiple funnels
• Flying Debris: Most injuries are caused by objects traveling at high speed
• Short Warning Times: You may have less than 5 minutes to take shelter
• Widespread Damage: Downed trees, power lines, and collapsed roads can delay rescue
• Silent Nights: Many tornadoes strike after dark—be ready 24/7

📍 High-Risk Zones

• The U.S. “Tornado Alley”: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska
• Southeastern U.S. (notably Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee)
• Parts of Southern Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and Alberta in Canada
• Anywhere with flat terrain + thunderstorms is at risk—even outside “tornado zones”

🧭 Know the Warning Levels

• Tornado Watch = Conditions are right. Stay alert.
• Tornado Warning = Tornado spotted or radar-confirmed. Take shelter immediately.

🏚️ Where to Shelter (and Where NOT to)

✅ Best Shelter Options:

• Basement or storm cellar
• Interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows
• Bathtub with mattress or heavy blankets for cover
• Commercial shelters or reinforced community safe rooms

❌ Never Shelter In:

• Mobile homes or trailers
• Cars or trucks
• Under highway overpasses (wind tunnel effect increases danger)
• Rooms with windows, large open spaces, or unanchored structures

🎒 Tornado Safety Kit Essentials

• Helmet (bike, football, or hard hat) to prevent head injury
• Heavy blankets or sleeping bags for cover
• Sturdy shoes (in case you must walk through debris)
• Flashlight & spare batteries
• Whistle or air horn to signal if trapped
• First aid kit
• ID, copies of insurance, and emergency contact info
• Power bank and car charger

🚗 Tornado Safety While Driving

• DO NOT try to outrun a tornado unless you can move at right angles to its path and are certain it’s safe
• If caught on the road with no shelter:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Tornado Safety Tips

• Practice shelter drills with your family, especially during tornado season
• Make sure kids know where to go if you're not home
• Store helmets in or near your safe room
• Keep your pet's leash, crate, and food ready to grab
• If you live in a mobile home, identify a safer structure nearby ahead of time

✅ Official Tornado Safety Resources

• Ready.gov – Tornadoes
• NOAA Tornado Safety
• Canadian Government Tornado Safety
• Red Cross Tornado Safety Checklist