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It’s too bad that you can’t click your heels together three times like Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” to avoid a tornado, but there are things you can do to prepare for one.
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms that can produce tornadoes. It is a good time to prepare, even if it may not happen. Contact your family or work to let them know. Review your severe weather safety plans. Keep the radio or TV on to monitor changing weather conditions.
A tornado warning means that a tornado is forming or is already occurring. If a tornado warning is in effect, you should remain calm but take shelter. Begin taking severe weather safety precautions.
During tornado warnings and watches, you need to actively follow safety precautions:
If you are stuck outside, lie flat in a ditch or other low place away from trees and cars. Cover your head because most injuries and fatalities are due to flying debris.
After the storm, the threat of danger is still present. Be sure you:
If you are displaced or injured by a tornado, we are here to help.
You should have a safety plan ready for any natural disaster. It should include where to go, what to do and who to contact in the event of an emergency.
Visit the following websites for more information and safety tips:
Originally published June 13, 2016; Revised 2020, 2022