Seconds Matter
The average tornado warning lead time is only 13 minutes. EF5 tornadoes produce winds over 200 mph that can sweep away well-built homes. Unlike hurricanes, tornadoes provide almost no time to prepare once they form. Know your shelter location before tornado season.
Understanding the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale
Tornadoes are rated after the fact based on damage. The Enhanced Fujita scale estimates wind speeds from the destruction pattern:
65-85 mph
Light damage: branches, signs
86-110 mph
Moderate: roof damage, windows
111-135 mph
Considerable: roofs torn off
136-165 mph
Severe: walls collapse
166-200 mph
Devastating: homes leveled
200+ mph
Incredible: total destruction
Key fact: About 77% of tornadoes are EF0 or EF1 (relatively weak), but EF3+ tornadoes cause the vast majority of deaths. Any tornado can be deadly if you're unprotected.
Tornado Warning Signs
While tornadoes can form without all these signs, watch for:
- Dark, greenish sky: Often indicates hail and potential tornado activity
- Large hail: Especially without rain—often precedes tornadoes
- Loud continuous roar: Often described as a freight train
- Visible rotating cloud base: Wall cloud or funnel cloud
- Debris cloud at ground level: Tornado may be hidden by rain or dust
- Sudden calm after severe thunderstorm: Sometimes precedes tornado
Watch vs. Warning: Know the Difference
Tornado Watch
Conditions are favorable for tornadoes. Actions: Review your plan, locate shelter, charge devices, secure outdoor items, monitor weather closely. Stay near shelter.
Tornado Warning
A tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. Actions: Take shelter IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait to see the tornado. Go to your predetermined safe location now.
Where to Shelter
The goal is to put as many walls and floors between you and the tornado as possible, while avoiding windows and exterior walls.
BEST Underground Storm Shelter or Safe Room
Purpose-built to withstand EF5 winds. Storm shelters can be buried in yard or garage. FEMA-rated safe rooms can be built into homes. Both provide near-absolute protection.
- Underground shelters: $2,500-$10,000
- Above-ground safe rooms: $3,000-$8,500
- FEMA grants may cover 75% of costs in eligible areas
GREAT Basement
Underground spaces provide excellent protection. Get under sturdy furniture like a workbench or heavy table.
- Stay away from windows
- Avoid areas under heavy appliances on floor above
- Don't shelter near exterior walls
- Cover yourself with mattress, blankets, or sleeping bag
GOOD Interior Room on Lowest Floor
If no basement, choose the smallest interior room with no windows: bathroom, closet, or hallway.
- Bathrooms are often good—pipes add structural strength
- Closets under stairways provide extra protection
- Stay away from windows, exterior walls, and corners
- Cover yourself to protect from debris
FAIR Sturdy Building (Office, School, Store)
Reinforced concrete or steel buildings with interior rooms. Go to designated shelter area or interior room away from windows.
Mobile Home Warning
Mobile and manufactured homes provide almost NO protection from tornadoes. Even weak EF0 tornadoes can destroy them. Always evacuate to a sturdy building or storm shelter—even if it means driving to safety. Know your nearest shelter before storm season.
Shelter Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't stand in doorways: This is outdated advice—doorways offer no special protection in modern homes
- Don't open windows: This wastes time and doesn't help (another myth)
- Don't shelter in large open rooms: Gymnasiums, auditoriums, and cafeterias can collapse
- Don't stay in a vehicle: Cars can be thrown and crushed; get to a building
- Don't try to outrun tornadoes: They can change direction unpredictably
Tornado Safety Kit
Keep these items in or near your shelter location:
- NOAA weather radio: With battery backup—essential for warnings
- Helmets: Bicycle or motorcycle helmets for each family member (head injuries are leading cause of tornado deaths)
- Sturdy shoes: Debris includes nails and broken glass
- Flashlight: With extra batteries
- First aid kit: Including trauma supplies
- Whistle: To signal rescuers if trapped
- Phone charger and backup battery: Communication is critical
- Important documents: In waterproof bag
- Blankets or sleeping bags: Protection from debris and warmth
- Water and snacks: In case you're trapped for hours
- Medications: Essential prescriptions in your shelter
Building a Safe Room
FEMA provides free construction plans for tornado safe rooms (Publication P-320). These rooms can withstand EF5 winds and flying debris.
Safe Room Options
- New construction: Easiest to add during building—can be a closet or bathroom built to specifications
- Retrofit: Can be added to existing homes—often in garage or as standalone room
- Pre-fabricated: Steel or concrete units delivered and installed
- Underground: Storm shelters buried in yard or garage floor
Typical Costs
- Underground storm shelter: $2,500-$6,000
- Above-ground safe room (retrofit): $4,000-$8,500
- Safe room in new construction: $3,000-$6,000
- Community safe room: Varies by municipality
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants: Many areas offer grants covering up to 75% of safe room costs. Check with your local emergency management agency.
After a Tornado
Immediate Steps
- Wait for the all-clear—additional tornadoes can form from the same storm
- Check yourself and others for injuries; provide first aid
- Watch for downed power lines—assume all are live
- Smell for gas leaks—if detected, leave immediately and call gas company
- Don't enter damaged buildings—structural failure can occur
- Wear sturdy shoes and gloves when walking through debris
Documentation and Recovery
- Take photos and video of all damage before cleanup
- Contact insurance company promptly
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (keep receipts)
- Watch for contractor fraud—get multiple estimates, verify licenses
- Apply for FEMA assistance if declared disaster area
Frequently Asked Questions
The safest places in order: 1) Underground storm shelter or FEMA-approved safe room, 2) Basement—under sturdy furniture away from windows, 3) Interior room on lowest floor—bathroom, closet, or hallway with no windows. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. Protect your head and neck.
A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes—review your plan and stay alert. A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated on radar—take shelter immediately. Average warning lead time is only 13 minutes.
Tornado warning signs include: dark greenish sky, large hail (especially without rain), loud continuous roar similar to a freight train, visible rotating cloud base or funnel, debris cloud at ground level, and sudden calm after a severe thunderstorm.
No—this is outdated advice. Doorways in modern homes offer no special protection. Instead, go to an interior room on the lowest floor, get low, cover your head, and put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. A closet, bathroom, or hallway away from windows is safer.
FEMA-compliant safe rooms typically cost $3,000-$8,500 depending on size and whether installed in new construction or retrofitted. Underground storm shelters cost $2,500-$10,000. Many areas offer FEMA Hazard Mitigation grants that can cover 75% of costs.
Calculate Your Tornado Preparedness
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