Know the Risk:

• Tornadoes can happen any time of year but are most common in spring and summer.
• Florida’s tornado season peaks from February to May but be alert year-round.

Be Prepared:

• Identify a safe room in your home, such as a basement, interior room, or hallway on the lowest floor, away from windows.
• Create a family emergency plan: establish communication methods and meeting points if separated.
• Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and important documents.
• Stay informed by monitoring weather updates via local news, NOAA Weather Radio, or weather apps for real-time warnings.

Seek Shelter Immediately:

• Head to your pre-designated safe space. In a building, move to the lowest level, away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, go to a basement or interior room.
• If outside and shelter is unreachable, lie flat in a low-lying area such as a ditch. Protect your head and neck with your arms.

Mobile Homes and Vehicles:

• Mobile homes are unsafe during tornadoes. Seek shelter in a nearby sturdy building.
• Avoid attempting to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. If no safe shelter is accessible, leave your car and find a low-lying area to lie down in.

Stay Informed:

• Stay tuned to tornado warnings and watches from the National Weather Service (NWS).
  • Tornado Watch: Conditions are conducive for tornadoes.
  • Tornado Warning: A tornado has been spotted or detected by radar. Take immediate shelter.

Stay Safe: - Assess yourself and others for injuries. Administer first aid if needed, and immediately call 911 for serious injuries.

• Steer clear of collapsed buildings and downed power lines to avoid electrocution or further harm.
• Be cautious when navigating through debris or damaged areas, as sharp objects, unstable structures, or hazardous materials may be present.

Stay Informed:  - Keep monitoring local news, weather broadcasts, or NOAA Weather Radio for important updates. Additional storms or hazards may follow.

Report Damage: - Alert local authorities about hazardous situations, such as fallen power lines, gas leaks, or water main breaks.

• Document all damage to your property, including photos, to assist with insurance claims and recovery efforts.

• Ready.gov: Tornados - Offering key tornado safety tips, including preparation steps, emergency planning, and how to stay informed. Learn what to do before, during, and after a tornado to protect yourself and your family.
• Tornado Preparedness: Red Cross Guide - The American Red Cross provides valuable information on how to prepare for tornadoes, including essential safety tips, emergency supplies, and steps to take before, during, and after a tornado.
• Tornado Education Resources by NOAA - Explore educational materials and resources from NOAA to deepen your understanding of tornadoes, their formation, and how to stay safe during these extreme weather events.
• FEMA Tornado Data and Resources - Access vital tornado data, maps, and resources from FEMA to better understand and prepare for tornado risks. This platform offers up-to-date information on tornado activity, alerts, and recovery efforts.
• OSHA: Tornado Preparedness and Response - Learn essential tornado preparedness and response strategies for businesses and workers, including emergency plans, safety measures, and resources to handle the aftermath of a tornado.
• Tornadoes: Preparedness and Safety from the CDC - How to stay safe before, during, and after a tornado with essential information and guidelines from the CDC.
• Mental Health and Tornado Preparedness - Learn about the mental health impacts of tornadoes and find resources for coping with the emotional aftermath.