Tornado
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If a tornado warning covers your location, shelter now in a basement or small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows and cover your head and neck. A mobile home is not a safe tornado shelter.
Take it with you. Verify locally.
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In immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Current instructions for your location take priority.
Do now.
- 01
Go to the shelter
Move immediately; put shoes on if within reach and take your phone without delaying. Use a designated storm shelter when accessible.
- 02
Protect your head
Crouch low and cover your head and neck with your arms. Use a sturdy table or available cushioning for additional protection.
- 03
If outside or in a vehicle
Get to a nearby sturdy building if safely possible. Do not shelter under an overpass. Vehicles and mobile homes offer little protection.
- 04
Keep listening
Use local warning messages or weather radio; remain sheltered until the threat has passed and official updates permit leaving.
Next steps.
Afterward, avoid damaged buildings, broken glass and downed lines. Check for injuries and use text to let your contact know you are safe.
Watch for.
Do not wait to see a funnel. Darkness and rain can hide tornadoes. A watch calls for readiness; a warning calls for action.
Sources & context.
Original Osprey Zero summary of the references below. U.S.-based guidance unless noted; check authorities where you are. This page is not a live alert.
Updated 2026-10-02. Recheck official instructions during an active event.